Common Orthodontic Issues

When teeth or jaws don’t align properly, it can affect more than just your appearance—it can interfere with speech, cause uneven wear on tooth enamel, and even increase the risk of injury to your teeth and jaw joints. These bite problems, known as malocclusions, are often best addressed through orthodontic treatment.

At Seattle Braces, Dr. C. Neil Nicholson diagnoses and treats a wide range of bite issues for patients of all ages in Seattle, WA.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends forward, causing the bottom front teeth to sit in front of the top front teeth. This can affect chewing and facial balance.

Crossbite

In a crossbite, one or more of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This misalignment may lead to jaw shifting, uneven tooth wear, and even facial asymmetry if left untreated.

Upper Front Teeth Protrusion

This condition involves the upper front teeth sticking out too far or the lower teeth being positioned too far back. It can impact both function and appearance and may increase the risk of dental injury.

Overbite

An overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. In some cases, the lower teeth may touch the roof of the mouth, causing discomfort, gum exposure, and premature wear on the front teeth.

Crowding

Crowding is one of the most common orthodontic concerns. It happens when there isn’t enough room in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly, causing them to overlap or twist. Crowded teeth can be harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Spacing

Spacing problems are the opposite of crowding. They occur when there’s too much space between teeth, often due to missing teeth or a mismatch between tooth size and jaw size. While often a cosmetic concern, gaps can sometimes affect alignment and bite function.

Openbite

An openbite is characterized by the upper and lower front teeth not touching when the mouth is closed, creating a space between them. This can make it difficult to chew and may lead to habits like tongue thrusting or thumb sucking, especially in younger patients.

Dental Midlines not Matched

When the center lines of the upper and lower teeth don’t line up, it’s called a midline discrepancy. This type of bite problem can affect how your teeth and jaws function together and may lead to jaw discomfort or bite issues over time.