Common Orthodontic Problems
Orthodontic problems can affect anyone—perfectly aligned teeth are rare! Orthodontics is not just about improving the appearance of your smile. A good orthodontic result can enhance how your teeth function and improve the long-term health of your teeth and mouth. Malocclusion, or a “bad bite,” can cause issues with chewing, oral hygiene, speaking, and aesthetics. Teeth that don’t fit together properly may wear down more quickly, be prone to fractures, or lead to gum recession.
These bite problems may be inherited or caused by factors such as thumb-sucking, dental disease, poor dental hygiene, accidents, birth defects, or other medical conditions.
Understanding the type of orthodontic issue you or your child may have is the first step toward correction. With expert care from Dr. Sebastian Baumgaertel, you can achieve a healthier bite and a more confident smile. Orthodontic treatment is about more than aesthetics—it’s an investment in your oral health and overall well-being.
Below are some examples of the most common orthodontic problems.
Excessive Overjet
Overjet is defined as the distance between the upper and lower front teeth. This issue can occur when the upper front teeth stick out too far, or the lower is short. It can affect both the appearance and functionality of your smile, making it harder to close your lips comfortably. Overjet can also put strain on the jaw joint (TMJ) and increase the risk of dental trauma.
Deep Overbite
Overbite is defined as the overlap of the upper and lower front teeth. Excessive overlap (deep overbite) warrants orthodontic treatment. Patients with deep overbites are more prone to experience tooth wear and jaw joint (TMJ) problems. In severe cases the lower teeth can even bite into the palate causing discomfort.
Open Bite
Lack of overbite. When the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, chewing can be difficult and the smile usually is not as good as it could be. Open bites may also lead to habits like tongue thrusting, which can further impact your bite and speech development.
Anterior Crossbite
Generally, an anterior crossbite occurs when a lower front tooth sits outside the upper teeth. In a healthy bite it’s the opposite. Anterior crossbites should be corrected as soon as possible because they can lead to enamel wear, bone and gum loss. Can you see how here the tooth in question appears longer? It’s literally being pushed out of the bone.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough room for teeth to line up correctly. This is rarely a result of excessively large teeth, but rather due to small or underdeveloped jaws. Early detection and treatment allows us to take advantage of a child’s growth potential. In many cases, modern treatment techniques can correct the underlying problem and fix crowding without the need for tooth removal, improving both function and aesthetics.
Spacing
Gaps between teeth may result from missing teeth or may simply be a cosmetic concern. Orthodontic treatment can close these spaces and create a more balanced smile, improving both appearance and oral health.
Underbite
An underbite happens when the lower jaw extends too far forward, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth. This condition can affect jaw alignment, chewing, and even facial aesthetics if left untreated.