While “overbite” and “underbite” are often used interchangeably, they describe two very different bite conditions. An overbite occurs when the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth, while an underbite is the opposite. Understanding how each affects your bite is the first step in finding the most effective orthodontic solution.
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than normal. This vertical overlap is one of the most common bite concerns seen in both children and adults.
Overbites can develop due to genetics, an imbalance in jaw growth, or tooth loss. In mild cases, the overlap may only affect appearance, but in more severe cases, it can lead to jaw discomfort, difficulty chewing, or uneven wear on the lower teeth.
If left untreated, an overbite can cause long-term issues such as enamel erosion, speech difficulties, and an increased risk of damage to the lower front teeth.
Learn more on our Overbite page.
An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, creating a reversed bite. This condition occurs when the lower jaw grows more than the upper jaw, or when the upper jaw doesn’t develop enough. It can also be influenced by genetics or early childhood habits.
People with an underbite may notice difficulty biting or chewing, speech issues, or a sense of imbalance in their facial appearance. In more severe cases, an underbite can cause uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
If left untreated, an underbite can worsen over time and lead to functional and aesthetic concerns.
Learn more on our Underbite page.
| Attribute | Overbite | Underbite |
| Type of misaligment | Upper teeth overlap lower teeth (vertically) | Lower teeth extend past upper teeth |
| Appearance | Lower teeth less visible | Lower jaw more prominent |
| Common causes | Jaw growth imbalance, tooth loss | Jaw size discrepancy, genetics |
| Functional impact | Tooth wear, jaw tension | Difficulty chewing, speech problems |
| Treatment options | Braces, aligners, | Braces, aligners, surgery for severe cases |
It’s not possible to have both an overbite and an underbite at the same time, as they are opposite types of bite alignment. However, in some cases, a crossbite may appear similar to elements of both. A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, creating a mix of bite patterns that can affect one side of the mouth or a single tooth.
To determine the exact type of bite issue, an orthodontist will carry out a detailed examination that may include digital scans, X-rays, or photographs. These images help assess jaw alignment, tooth position, and overall bite function, allowing for a precise diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
Early orthodontic treatment can make a big difference in how easily and effectively bite issues are corrected.
When an overbite or underbite is addressed in childhood, while the jaws are still developing, it’s often possible to guide growth and reduce the need for more complex treatment later in life.
If left untreated, bite problems can lead to:
By treating bite problems early, patients can enjoy improved function and comfort, setting the foundation for a healthy, well-aligned smile that lasts a lifetime.
Both overbite and underbite can be corrected with modern orthodontic treatments, depending on your age and the severity of your bite.
LightForce Braces
These 3D-printed braces are fully customised for each tooth, offering precise and efficient correction for complex bite issues.
Braces
Braces are effective for treating both overbite and underbite. Damon metal braces use self-ligating brackets to speed up treatment, while clear ceramic braces provide a discreet alternative.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign & Spark)
Invisalign and Spark Aligners are ideal for mild to moderate bite problems. They’re removable, comfortable, and nearly invisible.
Jaw Surgery & Early Appliances
Severe underbites caused by jaw discrepancies may require corrective jaw surgery, while children may benefit from early appliances that guide jaw growth and prevent worsening alignment.
At Gullotta Orthodontics, every treatment plan is tailored to your needs, helping you achieve a healthy, balanced smile with lasting results.
If you’re not sure whether your bite is an overbite, underbite, or another type of alignment issue, our team is here to help.
During your consultation, we’ll assess your bite, explain what’s happening, and recommend a personalised treatment plan to achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Book a consultation at our Gold Coast clinic today.
Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step towards a healthy, confident smile. At Gullotta Orthodontics, we know that taking this first step can also feel a little overwhelming. That’s why we make sure every stage of the process – from your very first visit through to treatment and beyond – is clear, supportive and tailored to your needs.
Whether you’re booking your child’s first consultation during the school holidays, or considering braces or aligners for yourself, here’s what you can expect when getting started.
Your orthodontic journey begins with a consultation. This initial appointment is all about understanding your smile, discussing your goals, and creating a plan.
Here’s what’s typically involved:
Importantly, braces or aligners are not fitted at the first visit. This session is about planning, not rushing. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of the next steps.
The school holidays are one of our busiest times of year – and for good reason. Many families find it easier to book longer appointments when kids don’t have school commitments.
If you’re thinking of getting started soon, now is the perfect time to reserve a spot.
One of the most common questions we get is: how long will it take?
The answer depends on the type of treatment and your unique needs. On average:
At your consultation, Dr Gullotta will explain what’s realistic for your case and give you a personalised estimate.
Once you decide to move forward, here’s what happens:
Throughout, our team will be here to support you – whether you need tips for easing discomfort or advice on keeping treatment on track.
Getting started doesn’t have to feel daunting. Here are a few helpful things to keep in mind:
With more than 35 years of experience and over 725 five-star reviews, we’re proud to be the highest-rated orthodontist on the Gold Coast. Patients choose us because:
The journey to a new smile begins with that first appointment. Whether you’re exploring options for your child, or you’re ready to improve your own smile, the team at Gullotta Orthodontics will guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call us on (07) 5532 3433 or book online today to schedule your first consultation
Putting your braces on isn’t painful. Once your teeth start moving, you may feel some discomfort as they shift into their new positions. Any soreness is temporary and can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication like Panadol. There’s no need to be nervous – most patients adjust within a few days.
Yes, in many cases you can. Braces and clear aligners (like Invisalign) are both effective, but the right option depends on your teeth, bite, and lifestyle. At your consultation, Dr Gullotta will talk you through the choices and recommend the treatment that best suits your needs.
Treatment times vary from person to person. Braces usually take around 18–24 months, while aligners may be shorter or longer depending on complexity. At your first consultation, you’ll receive a personalised estimate.
Most patients come in every 8-12 weeks for adjustments or to collect new aligners. These visits are quick and help us make sure your teeth are moving as planned.
Not at all. While many patients start in their school years, adults are choosing orthodontics more than ever. With discreet options like LightForce braces, it’s never too late to create the smile you’ve always wanted.
Ages 7-10 are typically the sweet spot for early orthodontic checks for children.
This age group is typically recommended because by this stage, children typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This “in-between” phase is ideal because it allows orthodontists to clearly see how the new adult teeth are emerging and how the jaws are growing. It’s a critical time to spot any developing concerns such as crowding, spacing, bite issues, or jaw alignment problems, even if they aren’t obvious to the untrained eye.
Importantly, having an orthodontic check at this age doesn’t mean your child will start treatment straight away. In many cases, the best approach is simply to monitor their growth and development over time. This gives your orthodontist the opportunity to guide tooth and jaw changes as they happen, and plan for any necessary treatment at the optimal stage, often making future orthodontic work shorter, simpler, and more effective.
Even before your child reaches the recommended first check-up age of seven, there are clues that may suggest their teeth or jaws need a closer look. Identifying these early can help guide their growth and potentially prevent more complex treatment later on.
How the upper and lower teeth fit together (the “bite”) is a key part of oral health. If the bite is off, it can affect chewing, speaking, jaw comfort and even facial balance. Some examples include:
The amount of space available in the mouth determines how well adult teeth can grow into place. Signs to look for include:
When baby teeth fall out too early or too late, it can affect the position of the permanent teeth. This may look like:
Changes in jaw position or facial growth may point to underlying orthodontic concerns. These can include:
Everyday habits and functional issues can also influence the way a child’s teeth and jaws develop. Watch for:
An orthodontic check-up during the early years with an experienced orthodontist can make a big difference in how a child’s smile develops. Even if treatment isn’t needed right away, seeing an orthodontist early helps set the foundation for healthy teeth and jaws as they grow.
An early orthodontic assessment allows the orthodontist to monitor and guide jaw development so permanent teeth have the best chance to grow into their correct positions. Creating enough space early on can prevent crowding and reduce the need for complex interventions later.
By identifying and addressing issues before they become severe, early evaluation can help avoid the need for treatments such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery in the future.
Habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting or prolonged dummy use can impact tooth alignment and jaw growth. Detecting and addressing these habits early can prevent long-term effects on a child’s bite and smile.
A healthy bite supports clear speech, effective chewing and a natural smile. Ensuring proper tooth and jaw development from an early age can boost a child’s confidence and comfort in everyday activities.
Early orthodontic evaluation may be one of the best investments you can make in your child’s long-term oral health. By assessing jaw growth, bite alignment and tooth position at the right stage, we can guide development, prevent future problems, and ensure your child’s smile is healthy, functional and confident.
At Gullotta Orthodontics, we specialise in paediatric orthodontic care. Led by Dr Nino Gullotta, our team offers gentle, professional assessments and a full range of early intervention options, from jaw expanders and space maintainers to braces and clear aligners. We also provide complimentary kids’ check-ups to monitor growth and treat only when the timing is right.
We have been creating beautiful smiles on the Gold Coast since 1987 and are proud to be rated among the best orthodontists in the region. We’re here to help with all orthodontic needs, and we look forward to helping your child enjoy their best smile for years to come.
Book your child’s complimentary orthodontic check-up today.
Many people confuse deepbite and overjet, but they’re two distinct bite issues that affect your teeth and jaw in different ways. Understanding the difference is the first step toward getting the right orthodontic treatment.
Deepbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively (vertical overlap). This condition in some cases may also be referred to as an “overbite,” though the clinical term is deepbite. Overbite may also be used to describe a less intense deep bite.
Deepbite is usually caused by a mismatch in jaw size or tooth positioning. It can lead to worn-down lower teeth, jaw discomfort, and difficulty chewing. In some cases, it may also contribute to speech issues or gum trauma.
Deepbite is common in both children and adults and can appear with or without crowding of the teeth.
Learn more about this issue on our deep bite page.
Overjet refers to the horizontal projection of the upper front teeth beyond the lower front teeth. This condition is commonly known as “buck teeth.”
Overjet can develop due to genetics, jaw growth discrepancies, or childhood habits like thumb sucking or prolonged dummy use. It can affect speech and chewing, and increases the risk of trauma to the front teeth, especially during falls or contact sports.
Unlike deepbite, overjet is often more noticeable from a side profile because the upper teeth push forward past the lower teeth.
Learn more on our overjet page.
Deepbite involves vertical overlap. Overjet involves horizontal projection.
Attribute | Deepbite | Overjet |
| Type of misalignment | Vertical overlap | Horizontal projection |
| Appearance | Upper teeth cover lower teeth | Upper teeth stick out over lower teeth |
| Common causes | Jaw/tooth size mismatch | Genetics, thumb sucking, jaw shape |
| Risk factors | Tooth wear, jaw pain, chewing problems | Speech issues, trauma risk |
| Visual cue | Upper teeth hide lower teeth when biting | Upper teeth push forward past lowers |
Yes, it’s possible to have both deepbite and overjet at the same time. In these cases, the upper front teeth protrude forward (overjet) while also overlapping the lower teeth vertically (deepbite).
This combination can affect both function and appearance, and the severity may vary from person to person. A full orthodontic assessment is needed to understand your bite pattern and determine the most effective treatment plan.
Both deepbite and overjet can affect oral function, comfort, and long-term dental health. Left untreated, they can lead to more serious complications over time.
Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent these issues from worsening and make it easier to achieve long-term bite stability and comfort.
Both deepbite and overjet can be treated with a range of orthodontic solutions, depending on the severity of the issue and the patient’s age. Many treatments work effectively for both conditions, while some are more targeted to specific bite types.
These 3D-printed braces are custom made for each tooth, offering precise and efficient treatment, especially useful for correcting deepbite with comfort and accuracy.
Braces are highly effective for treating both deepbite and overjet.
Clear aligners like Invisalign and Spark are suitable for mild cases of both deepbite and overjet. They’re removable, nearly invisible, and custom-designed to move teeth gradually and precisely.
In cases where overjet is caused by severe jaw misalignment, surgical intervention may be required to reposition the upper or lower jaw. This is typically recommended when orthodontic appliances alone can’t correct the bite.
For younger patients, appliances like expanders or headgear may be used to guide jaw growth and reduce the severity of deepbite or overjet before braces or aligners are introduced.
At Gullotta Orthodontics, we tailor every treatment plan to your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re managing deepbite, overjet, or both, we’ll help you choose the right solution and support you every step of the way.
If you’re unsure whether you have a deepbite, overjet, or both, our team at Gullotta Orthodontics can help. We’ll assess your bite, explain what’s happening, and recommend a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Book a consultation at our Gold Coast clinic to take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Have you been thinking about straight teeth, nicer facial profile and confidence when smiling? Are you struggling to find time to attend appointments every 4-6 weeks? Invisalign treatment using dental monitoring at Gullotta Orthodontics will help you solve this issue. With dental monitoring, you will be achieving the straight teeth and beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of with fewer visits
Dental monitoring is an app on your smartphone that enables you to take weekly selfies of your teeth and automatically send them to our dental monitoring team. If everything is on track you will receive a reply, within 12 hours, to confirm you can continue treatment (change aligners) and not need to see us. In this way, our patients are not required to come back to have their teeth checked on a regular basis and know they are progressing well.
If you have any question about your treatment, you can use dental monitoring app to ask us questions, making communication efficient and saving time. Don’t worry if you forget your weekly selfies – the app will remind you!
At Gullotta Orthodontics, we currently use dental monitoring for patients who are wearing Invisalign aligners. There are many benefits to this software including:
Ready to find out how dental monitoring could enhance your orthodontic treatment experience? Book your free consultation with our team today.
Dental Monitoring a registered medical device, you should always read and follow the label and the instructions of your treating orthodontist.
