Common Orthodontic Issues
Every Smile Starts Somewhere
Crowded teeth, gaps, or a bite that doesn’t quite line up are all common reasons children, teens, and adults visit an orthodontist.
At Stella Maris Orthodontics in Willis, TX, Dr. Whitney takes the time to look beyond what you see in the mirror. She’ll evaluate how your teeth and jaws fit together, explain what she’s seeing, and help you understand whether treatment is recommended now, later, or at all.
Understanding Your Orthodontic Needs
Orthodontic issues can affect much more than whether teeth look straight. The way your teeth and jaws fit together can have an impact on chewing, speech, tooth wear, oral hygiene, and long-term dental health.
Some concerns are easier to address while a child is still growing, while others can be successfully treated during the teen or adult years.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Whitney may recommend braces, clear aligners, or specialized orthodontic appliances.
Because every smile develops differently, the right treatment starts with understanding your smile first.
Crowded Teeth
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough room for all of the teeth to fit properly within the jaws. Teeth may overlap, rotate, or erupt in the wrong position.
Crowded teeth can also create tight spaces that are more difficult to brush and floss effectively.
Depending on your age, the amount of crowding, and how your jaws have developed, Dr. Whitney may recommend braces, clear aligners, expansion, or another orthodontic approach to create space and guide the teeth into healthier positions.
Spacing Between Teeth
Gaps between teeth can occur naturally or develop because of missing or undersized teeth, differences between tooth and jaw size, or certain oral habits.
Some spacing between baby teeth is actually a healthy part of childhood development because it creates room for larger permanent teeth to come in.
When unwanted spacing remains after the permanent teeth erupt, orthodontic treatment can help close or redistribute those spaces to create a more balanced smile and bite.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when biting down.
An underbite may develop because of the position of the teeth, differences in upper and lower jaw growth, or a combination of both. Depending on its severity, it can affect chewing, tooth wear, speech, and facial balance.
For growing children, identifying an underbite early can be especially important because early orthodontic treatment may allow Dr. Whitney to guide jaw development while growth is still occurring with dentofacial orthopedic treatment.
Overbite
An overbite describes how much the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth.
Some overlap is normal, but a deep overbite can cause the lower teeth to contact the roof of the mouth or contribute to excessive tooth wear, gum concerns, or difficulty biting comfortably.
Treatment depends on what’s causing the overbite and may involve braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down rather than slightly outside them.
Crossbites can involve the front or back teeth and may be related to tooth position, jaw development, or both.
When a crossbite is identified in a growing child, Dr. Whitney may recommend treatment such as a palatal expander to improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet in certain areas when the mouth is closed. It most commonly affects the front teeth.
Open bites may be related to jaw growth, tongue position, prolonged thumb or finger sucking, pacifier use, or other developmental factors.
Because an open bite can make biting into foods more difficult and may affect speech, identifying the underlying cause is an important part of creating the right treatment plan.
Protruding Teeth (Overjet)
Overjet occurs when the upper front teeth project too far forward in relation to the lower teeth. Unlike an overbite, which describes vertical overlap, overjet describes the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth.
Significant protrusion can affect facial balance, make it difficult to close your lips over your teeth, and may leave the upper front teeth more vulnerable to injury. Orthodontic treatment can help improve their position while creating a healthier relationship between the teeth and jaws.
How are orthodontic problems treated?
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- Traditional or custom braces
- Clear aligners for kids, teens, or adults
- Orthodontic appliances for expansion, growth guidance, or bite correction
- Early orthodontic treatment for developing smiles
- Personalized orthodontics for teens or adults
Our fully digital technology allows Dr. Whitney to carefully plan and customize treatment while keeping care as efficient and convenient as possible.
You’ll also get plenty of time with Dr. Whitney herself, so you understand what she recommends and why before moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Issues
Can crowded teeth be fixed without braces?
Yes, some cases of crowded teeth can be treated with clear aligners. Other patients may benefit from braces, expansion, or a combination of orthodontic approaches.
Dr. Whitney will evaluate how much space is available, your bite, and the position of your teeth to determine which option can give you the most effective result.
Do bite problems get worse over time?
Some can. Bite problems may change as a child’s teeth and jaws develop, while untreated concerns in adults can contribute to uneven tooth wear or other functional issues over time.
An orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether a bite needs treatment and, particularly for children, whether there’s an ideal time to intervene.
Can adults correct orthodontic problems?
Absolutely! Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. The most important thing is to make sure that the teeth, gums and underlying bone are healthy before getting started with orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Whitney treats adults who want to address crowding, spacing, bite concerns, and other orthodontic issues with personalized, comprehensive treatment. Discreet options like clear aligners and custom braces can also make treatment easier to fit into adult life.
Can clear aligners fix bite problems?
Clear aligners can treat many types of bite and alignment concerns, but they’re not the right solution for every patient.
At Stella Maris Orthodontics, clear aligner treatment is planned and supervised by Dr. Whitney based on your individual teeth, bite, and treatment goals.
What's the difference between an overbite and an overjet?
An overbite describes how far the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth vertically. Overjet describes how far the upper front teeth extend forward horizontally.
You can have an overbite, an overjet, or both at the same time.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup around age 7.
At this age, Dr. Whitney can evaluate how your child’s permanent teeth and jaws are developing and identify concerns that may benefit from early treatment.
An evaluation at age 7 doesn’t mean your child will need braces right away. If treatment isn’t needed yet, Dr. Whitney can continue monitoring their smile as they grow.
Does every orthodontic issue need treatment?
No. Some differences in tooth position or bite are minor and may not require treatment, particularly in a growing child whose smile is still developing.
Dr. Whitney will explain what she sees, whether it’s likely to change with growth, and whether treatment would provide a meaningful benefit. If it’s better to watch and wait, she’ll tell you that too.
What happens at my first orthodontic consultation?
Your consultation is your opportunity to learn more about your smile without pressure.
We’ll use digital imaging as needed to evaluate your teeth and bite, and you’ll have time with Dr. Whitney to discuss your concerns and goals.
She’ll explain what she sees, walk you through any recommended treatment options, and answer your questions so you know exactly what your next steps look like.
Begin Your Path to a Brighter Smile
We’ll guide you on your way. Book a complimentary consultation with our orthodontic office in Willis, TX today.
Complimentary consultation (valued at $300) available for new patients. Includes smile assessment and x-rays, if needed.