

There are 5 types of bite defects: crossbite, deep bite, open bite, crowded bite and gap bite. These can be combined, for example, with incorrect positioning of the teeth (so-called dental class), which can result in a very common overbite or underbite.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common ones.
The main manifestation of an overbite is a gap between the lower and upper front teeth at bite that is greater than 3 mm. The overbite of the upper jaw is characterised by the upper teeth being significantly more forward than the lower teeth.
You may come across various terms for this condition: lower jaw protrusion, negative overjet, and overbite. This refers to a condition in which, when the mouth is closed, the upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned—that is, the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. This can lead to improper biting and other jaw problems. The problem often lies in the position of the teeth or the jaw, or in a misalignment of the jaws.
A crossbite is an orthodontic problem in which the upper dental arch is narrower than the lower dental arch. It can affect a single tooth, specific sections of the arch, or the entire jaw, and is often caused by both the position of the teeth and a mismatch in the size of the jaws. If left untreated, it can lead to facial asymmetry and jaw problems.
Understanding these causes is important for the correct diagnosis and thus treatment of these problems.

A deep bite, also known as an "overbite" or "deep overbite", is an orthodontic defect in which the upper front teeth are significantly over the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This means that in a normal bite, the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than normal. This condition can cause various problems such as:
Can braces correct a deep bite? Yes, braces are one of the most common solutions for correcting a deep bite.
Treatment of a deep bite sometimes requires orthodontic intervention in combination with surgical adjustments, whereas surgery is much more likely for overbites and overbites.
An inverted bite is an orthodontic malocclusion in which some of the upper teeth bite behind the lower teeth instead of in front of them. This most commonly affects the back teeth (molars), but it can also affect the front teeth. Unlike a classic crossbite, a reverse bite is usually limited to a specific section of the dental arch —and is often unilateral.
An open bite is a malocclusion in which the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. The gaps may be between the front teeth (vertical open bite) or the back teeth ( the less common horizontal open bite). This problem is particularly common in children—and in many cases is linked to prolonged pacifier use.
An overhanging bite is often confused with an overbite, but they are not exactly the same thing. In an overhanging bite, the upper teeth protrude too far forward relative to the lower teeth, but unlike an overbite, the problem may not lie in the jaws—it may “simply” be a matter of misaligned teeth.
An underbite is a type of malocclusion in which the lower teeth or lower jaw are positioned further forward than the upper teeth, so that the upper and lower dental arches “miss” each other in the opposite direction than is normal. In Czech, it is often confused with an overbite, but in humans, an underbite has a distinct skeletal basis —that is, the problem lies in the position of the jaws themselves, not just the teeth.

For children, it is best to address bite issues as early as possible—while their baby teeth are still being replaced by permanent teeth. This allows us to influence jaw growth and prevent complications in adulthood. That is why we recommend the first orthodontic examination between the ages of 6 and 8.
It’s never too late to start as an adult—even complex bite issues can now be treated discreetly and effectively with Invisalign clear aligners.
All of these problems can have serious consequences in many areas:
Reading tip: Comparing teeth is not just about aesthetics
Orthodontic problems can also alter the overall appearance of the face. For example, an overbite can cause the upper teeth and lips to protrude, while the nose may appear prominent due to a receding chin (known as a “bird-like profile”). A crossbite, on the other hand, can cause facial asymmetry, which may be aesthetically unappealing. However, treatment must always be planned individually based on each patient’s specific circumstances.
Recommended Reading: Cosmetic Procedures: The Secret to a Beautiful Smile
Invisalign clear aligners offer a modern and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces, reliably correcting these bite issues. They use clear plastic aligners that are virtually invisible when worn and can be easily removed during meals and when brushing your teeth.
Overbite braces in the form of Invisalign provide patients with the ability to achieve proper tooth alignment without the need to wear visible metal braces. At any age! Even adults can wear braces.
Invisalign for overbite offers several significant advantages over traditional metal braces:
Fixed braces are one of the most common methods for treating orthodontic problems such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite. This method uses metal, ceramic or sapphire brackets and wires that gradually move the teeth into the correct position.
Tip: Check out our comprehensive comparison of braces and our detailed guide to choosing braces.
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. It is recommended when the bite has a skeletal component, meaning the problem lies in the position or size of the jaw. Surgery for overbites and all other bite problems involves reshaping the jawbone to achieve proper alignment of the teeth and jaws. Surgical procedures are then almost always combined with orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal results.
In addition to traditional and invisible braces, modern orthodontics offers other treatment methods that can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. These methods include:
Each patient is unique and requires an individual approach to treatment. Our clinic offers comprehensive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans that include a combination of different methods according to the patient's specific needs and wishes. The goal is to achieve an optimal aesthetic and functional result that improves the patient's quality of life.
Not sure if you have an overbite, underbite, or an open bite caused by a pacifier? Come visit us at Svět rovnátek for a free initial consultation. We’ll perform a quick 3D scan of your teeth, show you a visualization of the results, and recommend the most suitable treatment plan— including the cost.
The consultation is painless, quick, and completely non-binding. Make an appointment today and start your journey toward a healthy bite and a beautiful smile—just click the button in the upper right corner.
The most common causes are prolonged pacifier use or thumb-sucking, but tongue position and genetics also play a role.
In milder cases, yes —through lifestyle changes and functional therapy. In most cases, however, orthodontic treatment is necessary.
No, an overbite is a negative protrusion of the lower jaw ( often less pronounced), whereas an underbite has a more pronounced skeletal basis and may require surgical treatment.
Yes, when it comes to dental issues (i.e., teeth, not the jaw), Invisalign braces are a very effective treatment option.
Yes—ideally, limit pacifier use until the age of 2 and switch to other soothing methods. A speech therapist can also help.
You can recognize an overbite by the fact that the upper front teeth protrude significantly beyond the lower ones. The gap is usually greater than 3 mm, and when the mouth is closed, the lower teeth do not touch the upper ones. Sometimes you may notice this visually— the upper lip may appear more prominent and the chin smaller. The surest way to detect an overbite is through a professional examination by an orthodontist.
It depends on the type and severity. In simpler cases, an overbite can be corrected with braces, ideally with Invisalign clear aligners. For more complex issues (especially if the problem lies in the position of the jaws, not just the teeth), a combination of braces and orthognathic surgery may be necessary. It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible—less invasive solutions are often sufficient for children.
If you’re wondering about the cost of repairing, replacing, or cosmetically treating your front teeth, the answer depends on the procedure you choose. Enamel repair can cost a few hundred crowns, cosmetic veneers start at 7,000 CZK per tooth, and Invisalign treatment to straighten front teeth typically costs between 50,000 and 100,000 CZK. Every case is unique, so we recommend a consultation—which is free at our clinic.
Read: Braces: How much do they cost and how long does treatment take?
An overbite is an orthodontic condition in which the upper teeth protrude significantly beyond the lower teeth. It can be caused by genetics, bad habits (such as thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use), or abnormal jaw growth. An overbite affects not only appearance but also proper bite function, speech, and tooth wear.
An underbite is the opposite of an overbite. When biting down, the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. This is usually a more serious orthodontic defect with a significant impact on jaw function, and it often has a skeletal (bony) origin—such as excessive growth of the lower jaw. In addition to aesthetic concerns, it can also cause speech and chewing difficulties, as well as pain in the temporomandibular joint.
Underbite (sometimes referred to as mandibular prognathism) is most commonly treated with orthodontic treatment —that is, braces. In milder cases, braces alone are sufficient; in more complex cases, a combination of orthodontic and surgical treatment is necessary, especially if the condition is caused by jaw growth rather than just the alignment of the teeth.
A proper bite is one in which the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth (by about one-third). The teeth are aligned in a straight line, without noticeable gaps or crowding, and when the mouth is closed, pressure should be evenly distributed between the upper and lower jaws. The bite should not cause difficulties when chewing, speaking, or at rest.
An open bite, in which the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, is treated depending on the cause. In children, eliminating bad habits (such as using a pacifier or thumb-sucking) and early orthodontic intervention can help.
Adult patients usually need braces, and if the cause is skeletal, they also require surgical correction. Treatment with Invisalign clear aligners is a modern and effective method.
Orthognathic surgery, which is performed in more severe cases of underbite or other skeletal defects, can cost anywhere from several tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of crowns. If the procedure is medically necessary, it may be covered (in full or in part) by health insurance. The cost always depends on the specific diagnosis, the type of procedure, and the facility where it is performed.
Would you like to know what type of bite you have?
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation —at Svět rovnátek, we’ll take a 3D scan of your teeth and design the perfect custom solution for you.


