Also known as: malocclusion, misaligned bite, uneven bite, bad bite, bite misalignment, teeth not fitting together

Bite problems describe issues with how the upper and lower teeth come together when a child closes the mouth. The bite may look too deep, too open, too far forward, too far back, or shifted to one side. In some children, bite differences are mild and mostly cosmetic. In others, they can affect chewing, speech, jaw comfort, tooth wear, or the way the smile develops over time.

Parents may notice that the front teeth do not meet normally, that the child bites the cheek, chews unevenly, or that the jaw seems to shift when closing. Bite problems can develop because of genetics, jaw growth patterns, crowding, spacing, eruption changes, or persistent oral habits. Early evaluation helps determine whether the bite is normal for your child’s stage of development or whether orthodontic guidance may help prevent more complex issues later.

Possible Causes of Bite Problems

Bite problems are commonly associated with:

  • Genetics and jaw growth patterns – Some children naturally develop jaw relationships that make the upper and lower teeth fit together unevenly, such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.

  • Crowding, spacing, or eruption changes – When teeth erupt out of position, overlap, or leave too much space, they can change how the bite comes together and make certain teeth contact too early or unevenly.

  • Oral habits and tongue pressure – Thumb sucking, pacifier use, and repeated tongue pressure can influence jaw development and tooth position over time, sometimes contributing to developing bite problems.

  • Shifts in tooth or jaw alignment – As children grow, differences in jaw development or changes in tooth position can cause the bite to look off-center, feel uneven, or function less comfortably.

Treatments for Bite Problems

Depending on the cause and severity of bite problems, treatment may include:

  • Braces – Braces can help correct many bite problems by guiding teeth into better alignment and improving how the upper and lower arches fit together as the smile develops.
  • Invisalign – For some kids and teens, Invisalign may help improve mild to moderate bite issues by gradually moving teeth into better position and creating a more balanced bite.
  • Angel Aligner – Angel Aligner is another clear-aligner option that may be used to improve certain bite problems by guiding teeth into better alignment and helping the bite come together more evenly.

When to See an Orthodontist

Consider scheduling an appointment if your child:

  • Has teeth that do not come together evenly when biting or closing the mouth
  • Seems to have front teeth that stick out, do not meet, or a jaw that shifts to one side when closing
  • Has chewing difficulty, frequent cheek or lip biting, or complaints that the bite feels off
  • Is becoming more self-conscious about the bite or the way the smile is developing

Related Symptoms

Concerned About Bite Problems?

Bite problems are often a sign that something needs attention. We’d love to evaluate your child’s symptoms and make their visit comfortable, positive, and stress-free. Schedule an appointment today and get the answers you need.