Meaning & use
over and under bite
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
A dental condition in which the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones too much (overbite) or the lower teeth stick out beyond the upper ones (underbite).
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase. It refers to two opposite conditions together, so it normally takes a plural verb: 'Over and under bite are common in children.'
Patterns
- have an over and under bite
- treat an over and under bite
The orthodontist explained that an over and under bite can both cause problems with chewing.
In her report, she discussed over and under bite in children and how they are corrected.
Common combinations
- correct an over and under bite
- Braces are often used to correct an over and under bite.
- severe over and under bite
- A severe over and under bite may need surgery.
- over and under bite treatment
- Over and under bite treatment usually starts in childhood.
Word family
- overbite noun
- A condition where the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones too much.
- underbite noun
- A condition where the lower front teeth stick out beyond the upper ones.
Commonly confused: over and under bite or overbite? over and under bite or underbite?
over and under bite vs overbite
An overbite is only the upper-teeth-overlap condition; 'over and under bite' includes both overbite and underbite.
over and under bite vs underbite
An underbite is only the lower-teeth-protruding condition; the phrase 'over and under bite' covers both.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase 'over and under bite' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 0 correctly uses the phrase as a dental condition. Option 1 is wrong because a bite on the arm is an injury, not a dental condition. Option 2 uses the phrase as a verb, which is incorrect. Option 3 treats it as food, which is nonsensical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “over and under bite”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.