Skip to content
Forms & Policies
Child Health Library
Online Bill Pay
Patient Portal

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Occlusion of the teeth

Skeletal views of overbite and underbite

Occlusion is how the upper and lower teeth fit together (how they align). This is also known as "bite."

Perfect bites are rare. Most people have some form of malocclusion ("poor bite"). With an overbite, the upper teeth stick far out over the lower teeth. With an underbite, the upper teeth are positioned behind the lower teeth.

Orthodontists use braces and other tools to move teeth into a better and more normal occlusion, or alignment.

Current as of: August 6, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Main Street Pediatrics now offers the latest Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine, recommended by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics for ages 6 months and above. Please call our office to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine visit for your child. For more details read our recent blog post.