Common Bite Issues Treated by Orthodontists Near You

A properly aligned bite is crucial not only for aesthetic reasons but also for the overall health and function of your mouth. Bite issues, or malocclusions, occur when the teeth and jaws do not align properly. These misalignments can affect chewing, speech, and even your ability to maintain good oral hygiene. Thankfully, orthodontists near you specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of bite problems using proven methods such as braces, clear aligners, and other dental appliances.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common bite issues treated by orthodontists and how seeking early intervention can help you achieve a healthier smile. Whether you're an adult looking to improve your bite or a parent considering orthodontic treatment near me child, understanding these issues is the first step in taking action.

Types of Bite Issues

Overbite (Deep Bite)

What Is an Overbite?

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. This is one of the most common bite issues that orthodontists treat. A moderate overbite might cause discomfort when chewing, while a more severe overbite can result in tooth wear, jaw pain, and difficulty closing the mouth properly.

Overbites are often hereditary, but they can also develop from habits such as thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use during childhood. In some cases, overbites may be caused by jaw alignment issues or an underdeveloped lower jaw.

How Orthodontists Treat Overbites

Orthodontists typically treat overbites with braces or clear aligners, depending on the severity of the issue. In more severe cases, dental surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaw. Early intervention can often reduce the complexity of the treatment needed to correct this bite issue.

Underbite

What Is an Underbite?

An underbite is the opposite of an overbite. It occurs when the lower teeth and jaw protrude in front of the upper teeth. This bite issue can lead to difficulty chewing, speech problems, and an increased risk of tooth wear. In severe cases, it can cause discomfort or even pain in the jaw joint.

Underbites can be caused by genetics, abnormal jaw development, or habits such as prolonged thumb-sucking. While they can be visible aesthetically, they can also cause functional problems that affect your ability to speak and chew comfortably.

How Orthodontists Treat Underbites

Orthodontists can treat underbites using braces or clear aligners to shift the teeth into better alignment. In some cases, a special device known as a Herbst appliance may be used to reposition the lower jaw. In extreme cases, jaw surgery might be recommended, particularly in adulthood when the jawbones have fully developed.

Crossbite

What Is a Crossbite?

A crossbite occurs when one or more of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can happen at the front of the mouth (anterior crossbite) or at the back (posterior crossbite). Crossbites can cause tooth wear, gum recession, and bone loss if left untreated.

Crossbites often occur due to a narrow upper jaw, teeth that are misaligned, or irregularities in jaw growth. This bite issue can also cause discomfort or pain, particularly when chewing or biting down on food.

How Orthodontists Treat Crossbites

To treat a crossbite, an orthodontist may use braces, expanders, or clear aligners to shift the teeth and widen the upper jaw. In some cases, a palatal expander may be used to gradually widen the roof of the mouth, allowing the upper teeth to align properly with the lower teeth. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage caused by a crossbite.

Open Bite

What Is an Open Bite?

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, creating a gap between the teeth. This bite issue is often most noticeable when you try to bite down on food, especially at the front of the mouth. An open bite can cause difficulty chewing, speaking, and even swallowing in some cases.

Open bites can result from genetics, abnormal jaw development, or habits such as thumb-sucking or prolonged use of pacifiers in children. In some cases, a tongue-thrusting habit, where the tongue pushes against the teeth, can also contribute to the development of an open bite.

How Orthodontists Treat Open Bites

Orthodontic treatment for an open bite may include braces or clear aligners to reposition the teeth. If the open bite is caused by an issue with the jaw, surgery may be necessary to realign the jawbones. For younger patients, early intervention can often prevent the need for more invasive treatments later.

Overcrowding

What Is Overcrowding?

Overcrowding is a common dental issue where there is insufficient space in the mouth for all of the teeth to fit properly. This leads to teeth that overlap, twist, or grow in crookedly. Overcrowding can affect both the upper and lower teeth and is often caused by genetics or jaw size.

Overcrowded teeth can make oral hygiene difficult, leading to a higher risk of cavities and gum disease. They can also cause discomfort or pain, particularly if the misaligned teeth create pressure on the gums or jaw.

How Orthodontists Treat Overcrowding

Braces or clear aligners are the primary treatments for overcrowding. Orthodontists may also remove some teeth to create space in the mouth before realigning the remaining teeth. In some cases, dental extractions may be necessary to ensure that the teeth have enough room to straighten properly.

Spacing Issues

What Are Spacing Issues?

Spacing issues occur when there is too much space between the teeth, leading to gaps or diastema. These spaces can appear anywhere in the mouth but are often most noticeable between the upper front teeth. While some people prefer the appearance of gaps, they can also cause issues with the bite and may lead to food getting stuck in the gaps, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Spacing issues can be caused by genetics, missing teeth, or the eruption of teeth that are too small for the available space.

How Orthodontists Treat Spacing Issues

Orthodontic treatment for spacing issues typically involves braces or clear aligners to close the gaps between teeth. If the gaps are caused by missing teeth, the orthodontist may recommend dental implants, bridges, or other restorative procedures to fill the spaces.

Jaw Pain and TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder)

What Is Jaw Pain and TMD?

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) refer to problems with the jaw joint, which can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty moving the jaw. TMD can result from bite issues, jaw misalignment, or teeth grinding. Individuals with TMD may experience headaches, jaw stiffness, or difficulty chewing.

While TMD is not always directly caused by bite issues, orthodontic treatment can help alleviate some of the pressure on the jaw by correcting alignment problems and ensuring that the teeth come together properly when the mouth is closed.

How Orthodontists Treat Jaw Pain and TMD

Orthodontists can treat TMD by realigning the teeth and jaw to reduce the pressure on the temporomandibular joint. In some cases, orthodontists may also work alongside other specialists, such as physical therapists or oral surgeons, to manage and treat TMD symptoms.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Addressing Bite Issues in Children

Many orthodontic problems can be identified and treated in children as young as seven. Early intervention allows orthodontists to guide jaw growth and help prevent more complex issues later. By addressing bite problems early, orthodontists can often avoid the need for more invasive treatments, such as surgery, in the future.

Preventing Long-Term Oral Health Problems

Correcting bite issues is not just about improving appearance it can also prevent long-term oral health problems. Misaligned teeth can lead to tooth wear, gum disease, and difficulty with chewing or speaking. Early orthodontic treatment helps to ensure that your teeth, gums, and jaw joints stay healthy as you age.

Conclusion

Bite issues can cause a variety of problems, from difficulty eating to speech impediments and even jaw pain. Fortunately, orthodontists near you are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of bite issues, helping individuals achieve a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile. Whether you have an overbite, underbite, open bite, or another issue, orthodontic treatment offers effective solutions for correcting these problems and improving your quality of life.

If you or your child are experiencing bite issues, it is important to consult with an orthodontist as soon as possible. Clove Dental Sherman Oaks offers expert orthodontic care to help you achieve the perfect smile and improve your overall oral health.