Common Orthodontic Issues

There are common orthodontic problems that we see in new patients, but your experience, your preferences and your ultimate smile goals make your case one-of-a-kind! 

When you visit us for a free orthodontic exam, Dr. Caudill or Dr. McNeight will examine your condition to determine the most efficient treatment method for your case.

Underbite (Malocclusion)

With an underbite, the lower jaw extends further than the upper jaw. This condition can cause facial imbalances, cause pain or difficulty chewing and speaking, and can cause the teeth to wear down prematurely as they don’t meet evenly.

Underbites are often treated with Invisalign® or a form of braces, and in more severe cases, surgical orthodontics.

Overbite (Malocclusion)

When the upper jaw extends further than the lower jaw, this characterizes an overbite condition. Depending on how severe the condition is, an overbite can make it challenging to eat and chew properly. In some cases, the lower teeth will meet the roof of the mouth—ouch!

Like underbites, overbites are often treated with Invisalign® or a form of braces, and in more severe cases, surgical orthodontics.

Crossbite (Malocclusion)

When the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth, this is called a crossbite. This may be a posterior crossbite (in the back of the mouth) or an anterior crossbite (toward the front of the mouth). 

Crossbites can affect individual teeth or multiple teeth in a row. This condition is often the result of irregular tooth eruption, late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking during childhood. It can also occur due to a mismatch in the size of the upper and lower jaws. 

Crossbites are often treated with braces, Invisalign, and/or various orthodontic appliances. Surgical orthodontics is also needed in some cases. 

Open Bite (Malocclusion)

If some of the top teeth don’t meet the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed, either in the back of the mouth or the front, this is called an open bite. With a healthy alignment, the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth slightly.

An open bite may be the result of skeletal development problems and/or childhood habits, like thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting. It can be extremely challenging to chew food properly and pronounce certain words with an open bite, and the facial structure is typically affected by this condition.

Some open bite cases may be treated with braces or Invisalign, while others may require surgery. Early orthodontic treatment can be especially effective for treating this condition before it progresses and leads to further challenges.  

Protrusion (Malocclusion)

A protrusion, also known as an overjet condition, occurs when the front teeth protrude outward. Commonly called “buck teeth,” an overjet generally results from underdeveloped jaw bones, or thumb-sucking. The position of the teeth can make them prone to dental trauma.

Early orthodontic treatment is an especially effective and efficient treatment option for protrusions. Depending on the severity of the condition, a full treatment of braces may be used for these cases.  

Spacing Issues

Although it is normal to have some spaces between primary (baby) teeth, excessive gaps or spaces between the teeth can also be caused by a few factors, including excessive space in the mouth, missing teeth congenitally or due to cavities or trauma, as well as childhood habits (like thumbsucking).

Spacing issues are some of the most common orthodontic problems, and are often treatable with braces or Invisalign. 

Crowded Teeth

Teeth that are overlapping are considered ‘crowded.’ More often than not, crowding is the result of insufficient room in the mouth. When the jaws aren’t wide enough to fit all teeth, the teeth start to overlap each other as they’re emerging. 

In some cases, crowded teeth can be treated with a palatal expander appliance during childhood, while the jaws are still developing. In severe cases of crowding, your orthodontist will discuss the best treatment route with you!