Orthodontic treatment is about more than just straight teeth—it’s about correcting how your teeth and jaws align to improve function, comfort, and long‑term oral health. While every smile is unique, there are several orthodontic problems that occur more frequently than others. Understanding these conditions can help you recognize early signs and seek timely care for yourself or your child.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common orthodontic problems—including overbites, underbites, gaps, crowding, and crossbites—and explain how they affect your smile, your health, and your treatment options.
Why Identifying Orthodontic Problems Early Matters
When orthodontic issues go untreated, they can lead to more than just cosmetic concerns. Problems with tooth alignment or jaw positioning may cause uneven wear, chewing difficulty, speech concerns, and even jaw pain.
The earlier these conditions are identified—especially during childhood or adolescence—the easier they often are to correct. However, it’s never too late to seek care, and adults can also benefit from treatment.
Overbite — When Upper Teeth Extend Too Far Forward
An overbite, also known as a deep bite, occurs when the upper front teeth extend significantly over the lower front teeth. While a small overbite is natural, an excessive one can create several issues.
Potential problems from an overbite:
- Excessive wear on lower teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Jaw discomfort or TMJ symptoms
- Speech concerns in severe cases
Orthodontic treatment can reposition the teeth and often the jaw to bring the bite into proper alignment, using braces, aligners, or sometimes elastics or appliances for jaw correction.
Underbite — When Lower Teeth Extend Past the Upper Teeth
In an underbite, the lower jaw protrudes forward so that the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. This is usually a skeletal issue, caused by uneven jaw growth.
Common effects of an underbite:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Uneven tooth wear
- Increased risk of jaw joint strain
- Facial imbalance
Early intervention may involve orthopedic appliances to guide jaw growth in children, while adults may require braces or even surgical orthodontics to correct the jaw position.
Crossbite — When Upper Teeth Sit Inside the Lower Teeth
A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth when biting down, instead of overlapping them properly. This can happen in the front or back of the mouth and may affect one or both sides.
Problems associated with crossbites:
- Asymmetric jaw growth in children
- Tooth grinding or enamel wear
- Gum recession
- Jaw discomfort or clicking
Crossbites are often treated with palatal expanders in children, or with braces and elastics in teens and adults. Correcting this early helps prevent uneven facial development.
Crowding — When There Isn’t Enough Space for All Teeth
Crowding is one of the most common orthodontic concerns. It occurs when there’s not enough room in the jaw to accommodate all teeth properly, causing teeth to overlap, twist, or rotate.
Why crowding is a concern:
- Difficulties in brushing and flossing
- Increased risk of decay and gum disease
- Aesthetic concerns with smile appearance
- Higher risk of plaque buildup
Orthodontic treatment can create space by expanding the arch, using braces or aligners to move teeth into ideal positions. In severe cases, extraction may be necessary.
Spacing and Gaps — When Teeth Are Too Far Apart
The opposite of crowding, spacing issues involve extra room between teeth, leading to noticeable gaps. This may be due to small teeth, missing teeth, or habits like thumb‑sucking.
Potential issues from spacing:
- Food getting stuck between teeth
- Uneven bite pressure
- Aesthetic concerns
- Speech problems in some cases
Braces and aligners work well to close gaps and align teeth, improving both function and appearance.
Open Bite — When Front Teeth Don’t Touch When Biting
An open bite means the front upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. It often results from habits like thumb‑sucking or tongue thrusting, or sometimes jaw growth discrepancies.
Complications from an open bite:
- Difficulty biting into foods like sandwiches or apples
- Speech articulation issues
- Jaw strain
- Aesthetic imbalance
Treatment typically involves stopping habits, using braces or aligners, and in some cases, jaw surgery for adults.
Impacted Teeth — When Teeth Don’t Erupt Properly
Impacted teeth are those that remain stuck in the gum or bone and don’t erupt as expected. Wisdom teeth are often impacted, but so are upper canines.
What can happen if impacted teeth are left untreated:
- Crowding of nearby teeth
- Cysts or infection
- Prolonged orthodontic treatment
An orthodontist may use braces with special attachments to guide the impacted tooth into place, often in coordination with oral surgery.
What Causes These Orthodontic Issues?
Orthodontic conditions are usually a mix of genetics and environment. If a parent had crowding or jaw problems, it’s likely their child might too. Other causes include:
- Thumb‑sucking or pacifier use past age 3
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Trauma or injury to the jaw
- Mouth breathing or tongue posture habits
Regular dental visits and early orthodontic screenings (by age 7) help identify developing problems before they become more difficult to correct.
Can These Problems Be Prevented?
While not all orthodontic issues can be prevented, early intervention can minimize their severity. Monitoring jaw growth, managing oral habits, and seeking orthodontic evaluations early in life can make a significant difference.
Even in adults, catching these issues and correcting them reduces the risk of dental problems like enamel wear, gum disease, and TMJ pain.
When to See an Orthodontist
If you or your child have any of the following signs, it’s a good idea to schedule an orthodontic evaluation:
- Noticeable crowding or gaps
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Jaw pain or clicking sounds
- Teeth that seem to shift or drift
- Concerns about facial symmetry or smile aesthetics
An orthodontist will perform a thorough exam, including imaging and bite analysis, to recommend a custom treatment plan.
Expert Orthodontic Care at AvA Orthodontics
At AvA Orthodontics & Invisalign, we help patients of all ages address orthodontic problems with customized treatment plans. Whether you're dealing with crowding, an overbite, or spacing concerns, our board‑certified orthodontists offer expert care using braces, clear aligners, and advanced techniques to deliver lasting, confident smiles.
We proudly serve families across Spring, Pearland, Cypress, and the surrounding Texas communities. And with free consultations available, there’s no pressure—just the information you need to make the best decision for your smile.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, straighter smile with AvA Orthodontics.