Common Orthodontic Problems
Orthodontic issues are more common than many people realize—most smiles are not naturally perfectly aligned. Conditions such as malocclusion, often called a “bad bite,” can affect how you chew, speak, clean your teeth, and feel about your smile.
These concerns may develop due to genetics, oral habits like thumb sucking, injury, or other factors that influence how teeth and jaws grow. At Kania & Khan Orthodontics, Dr. Michael Kania and Dr. Salaar Khan believe that understanding these issues is the first step toward improving your oral health and overall comfort.
If left untreated, orthodontic problems can lead to complications such as uneven tooth wear, gum issues, and jaw discomfort. With the right treatment, these concerns can be corrected to improve both function and appearance.
Below are some of the most common orthodontic issues we treat:
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
Upper front teeth protrusion occurs when the upper teeth extend too far forward or the lower teeth do not extend far enough. This can affect both the appearance of your smile and how your bite functions, while also increasing the risk of injury to the front teeth.
Overbite
An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than normal. In more severe cases, this can lead to discomfort, excessive pressure on certain teeth, and gradual wear that may affect long-term oral health.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside. This misalignment can lead to uneven tooth wear, gum concerns, and may impact proper jaw alignment if not addressed.
Openbite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, leaving a gap when the mouth is closed. This can affect chewing, speech, and overall bite function, often requiring orthodontic treatment to restore proper alignment.
Crowding
Crowding happens when there is not enough space in the jaw for teeth to align properly. This can cause teeth to overlap or shift, making them harder to clean and increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and long-term oral health issues.
Spacing
Spacing refers to gaps between teeth, which may result from missing teeth or differences in tooth and jaw size. While sometimes cosmetic, spacing can affect bite function and may allow neighboring teeth to shift out of position over time.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends forward, causing the lower teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth. This misalignment can affect chewing, speaking, and jaw comfort, and may lead to strain or uneven wear if left untreated.