Underbite (Malocclusion)

With an underbite, the lower jaw extends further than the upper jaw. This condition can cause facial imbalances, cause pain or difficulty chewing and speaking, and can cause the teeth to wear down prematurely as they don’t meet evenly.

Underbites are often treated with Invisalign® or a form of braces, and in more severe cases, surgical orthodontics.

 Overbite (Malocclusion)

When the upper jaw extends further than the lower jaw, this characterizes an overbite condition. Depending on how severe the condition is, an overbite can make it challenging to eat and chew properly. In some cases, the lower teeth will meet the roof of the mouth—ouch!

Like underbites, overbites are often treated with Invisalign® or a form of braces, and in more severe cases, surgical orthodontics.

Crossbite (Malocclusion)

When the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth, this is called a crossbite. This may be a posterior crossbite (in the back of the mouth) or an anterior crossbite (toward the front of the mouth). 

Crossbites can affect individual teeth or multiple teeth in a row. This condition is often the result of irregular tooth eruption, late loss of baby teeth, or thumbuscking during childhood. It can also occur due to a mismatch in the size of the upper and lower jaws. 

Crossbites are often treated with braces, Invisalign, and/or various orthodontic appliances.

An open bite may be the result of skeletal development problems and/or childhood habits, like thumbsucking and tongue-thrusting. It can be extremely challenging to chew food properly and pronounce certain words with an open bite, and the facial structure is typically affected by this condition.

Some open bite cases may be treated with braces or Invisalign, while others may require surgery. Early orthodontic treatment can be especially effective for treating this condition before it progresses and leads to further challenges.  

Protrusion (Malocclusion)

A protrusion, also known as an overjet condition, occurs when the front teeth protrude outward. Commonly called “buck teeth”, an overjet generally results from underdeveloped jaw bones, or thumbsucking.

Early orthodontic treatment is an especially effective and efficient treatment option for protrusions. Depending on the severity of the condition, a full treatment of braces may be used for these cases.  

Spacing Issues

Although it is normal to have some spaces between primary (baby) teeth, excessive gaps or spaces between the teeth can also be caused by a few factors, including excessive space in the mouth, missing teeth congenitally or due to cavities or trauma, as well as childhood habits (like thumbsucking).

Spacing issues are some of the most common orthodontic problems, and are often treatable with braces or Invisalign. 

Have questions about common orthodontic problems?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.

Dr. Dunn, Dr. Schreiber, and our experienced team are here to guide you and support you along your treatment process, while you achieve the perfect smile.

Ready to get started? Request your complimentary exam at our conveniently located orthodontist offices in Wetumpka, Millbrook, or Montgomery today!