In a perfect world, everything lines up. Everything has a place and a purpose, much like the shape of the human skull and the wonders of a hinging lower piece (the jaw) that is meant to masticate (chew). If your teeth are?misaligned in the form of an overbite or an underbite, your jaw could be prevented from functioning properly.?In this edition of?Explain It to Me, I’ll clarify the differences between an overbite and an underbite.

Proper Jaw Alignment

The teeth which grow into your jaw are meant to grow in a proper, straight-in-a-row arch which will match exactly the shape of your skull and lower jaw hinge. The jaw is very intricate in its optimal position. The hinge can open and close to fit your teeth together in a perfect puzzle.The front teeth line up directly with the lower teeth slightly behind them, as if the lower teeth edges were hiding behind the upper teeth edges.This is the same all around the entire arch: the back teeth sit slightly inside the upper teeth edges.

Overbite vs. Underbite

Human growth shows us many varieties from the norm. When the upper jaw and teeth are more in front of the lowers (appearing to stick out), this would indicate an overjet. If the upper front teeth bite together so far down in front that the lower teeth are completely hidden, this would be called an overbite. Then, if the lower front teeth bite down in front of the upper teeth, this is called an underbite.

There is also a classification of how your back teeth fit together. In perfect alignment, the patient is classified as having a “Class I” bite relationship. ?When the upper teeth are a step or two forward of their lower match, this is a “Class II” bite. ?The person would appear to have a smaller jaw than their upper jaw. ?Lastly, if the lower teeth and jaw protrude forward of the upper teeth, this is a “Class III” bite.

What Happens if I Have an Overbite or an Underbite?

It is important for all the pieces of the teeth and jaw to fit together in their respective places for perfect functioning. Again, in a perfect world, right? All of these variations can be altered to be closer to normal functioning.?The dentist may refer you or your child to a dental specialist like an orthodontist. This is a dentist who specializes in proper jaw and teeth alignment. Some general dentists are certified to do some orthodontic cases. Dental x-rays like a special panoramic x-ray and side view x-ray is needed to see the full spacial relation of the teeth and their place in the jaw.

Commonly, when the child is young and most of their deciduous teeth (baby teeth)?are gone, the dentist can predict from their jaw shape and teeth alignment if they will need some early intervention. There are appliances the child can wear to help their jaw gain shape while the bones are still pliable, making room for all the permanent teeth.

So, if you ?”Ask Jeannie”: whether you have an overbite or underbite, check with your dental specialist to learn your options about achieving?a perfect bite,