How to Tell if You Have an Under or Overbite.

You know your own body. You know what size shoes fit your feet, and you know whether shirts hanging on a rack will slide right over your frame. But do you know if your front and lower teeth meet perfectly?

Overbite and underbite describe the relationship between upper and lower jaws. Typically, a dentist or orthodontist diagnoses this condition. But you can spot signs of trouble at home.

When you do, you can choose what to do to improve your smile.

How to spot an overbite.

Almost everyone has an overbite. The term describes upper incisors that nest over lower incisors. Even perfect mouths share this trait. But when there's a gap involved, signs of trouble appear.

Detect an overbite with:

Dental professionals split overbites into two classes. Class 1 is the most common, experts say, and it involves a slight overlap. Class 2 involves a severe overlap.

No measurements or specific designations separate the two. Doctors make the determination based on experience.

How to spot an underbite.

Lower teeth should nest nicely behind upper teeth. When they don't, the term underbite applies.

Detect an underbite with:

When can an expert help?

Experts say that there's no specific metric that separates mild misalignment from severe cases. You won't walk into a doctor's office and get turned away because the gap is too small or insignificant. But those designations matter.

Some insurance companies place orthodontic work into two groups.

Insurance companies that offer these designations may pay for medical correction, but they'll expect you to cover the entire cost of cosmetic work. And that cost can be significant.

Braces come with a $5,000+ price tag. Aligners, on the other hand, can cost less than half as much.

They both work on the same principle. Devices apply gentle pressure to teeth, and slowly, they glide them into new positions. Follow directions and wear the devices as specified, and your lower teeth and upper teeth can take up non-conflicting spots within your mouth.

It's best to treat problems as soon as you see them, says the American Association of Orthodontists. A clear bite is critical for speech, eating, and comfort. The sooner you can solve the problem, the better. And there's no shame in asking several doctors if you can't get the help you want.

For example, in a 2014 study, 52 percent of students were deemed in need of overbite/underbite treatment by doctors. And yet, 86 percent of students wanted help with their teeth.

A twist and turn of one or two teeth can blur your confidence, and treatment with clear teeth aligners could help to ease the problem. Don't be afraid to keep asking questions and looking for the help you need to get the smile you always wanted.

References.

What Are Misaligned Teeth and Jaws? (January 2020). InformedHealth.org.

Malocclusion of Teeth. (April 2020). U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Malocclusion. Children's Hospital St. Louis.

7 Common Bite Problems in Children and Adults. (March 2019). American Association of Orthodontists.

Malocclusion Diagnosis: Normative Criteria and Self-Perception of Adolescents. (July 2015). Brazilian Research in Pediatric Dentistry and Integrated Clinic.