Learning & Essentials
Orthodontic Disorders
Learn about eight common orthodontic disorders and how they may be treated.
- Eight orthodontic conditions explained
- Free consultation
- Aventura, Florida
How teeth and jaws
come out of line
Learn about crowding, spacing, five common bite problems, and the dental midline mismatch that can create an off-center smile—and what treatment may involve for each. Early diagnosis may provide more treatment options.
Disorder 01
Crowding
Crowding occurs when the jaw does not have enough room for every tooth to align properly, causing teeth to overlap, rotate, or sit in front of or behind one another. It is a common reason patients ask us about braces. Beyond appearance, crowded teeth can be harder to clean because brushing and flossing may not reach overlapping surfaces effectively. Treatment usually involves creating room through arch expansion, creating small amounts of space between teeth, or, in more severe cases, removing a tooth so the remaining teeth can be aligned. The appropriate approach is determined after an examination and X-ray.
Disorder 02
Spacing
Spacing is the opposite of crowding—gaps may be scattered along the arch or concentrated between the upper front teeth. Spacing may occur when the teeth are small relative to the jaw or when a missing tooth allows adjacent teeth to drift. Some gaps can trap food or make certain areas harder to keep clean. Braces or aligners can close gaps by moving the teeth together and holding them in place. When a tooth is missing, treatment may instead involve creating the correct amount of space for a replacement.
Disorder 03
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. It may affect a single tooth or several teeth and can contribute to uneven tooth wear, gum problems, or asymmetric jaw growth. Treatment depends on whether the crossbite involves the teeth, the jaws, or both, and may include braces, aligners, or a palatal expander. Early evaluation is helpful because some treatments work best while the jaws are still growing.
Disorder 04
Open bite
An open bite occurs when some upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. It may be associated with genetics, prolonged thumb-sucking, tongue posture, or differences in jaw growth. Treatment depends on the cause, the patient’s age, and the severity of the bite. Options may include habit correction, braces, clear aligners, other orthodontic appliances, or, in severe skeletal cases, jaw surgery.
Disorder 05
Overbite
An overbite, also called a deep bite, occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth vertically. Genetics, tooth position, jaw growth, and some oral habits may contribute. A deep bite can cause abnormal tooth wear or irritation of the gums or palate. Treatment is individualized and may include braces, clear aligners, bite-correcting appliances, or, in severe adult cases, jaw surgery.
Disorder 06
Overjet
Overjet occurs when the upper front teeth project too far ahead of the lower front teeth. It may result from tooth position, differences in jaw growth, missing teeth, or habits such as prolonged thumb-sucking. Possible consequences include injury to the protruding front teeth, uneven tooth wear, and strain on the bite. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include braces, clear aligners, elastics, or other orthodontic appliances.
Disorder 07
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth or lower jaw sit in front of the upper front teeth. It may result from tooth position, differences in jaw growth, or a combination of both. An untreated underbite can contribute to difficulty biting and chewing, abnormal tooth wear, speech concerns, or jaw discomfort. Treatment depends on the patient’s age and the severity and cause of the underbite. Options may include braces, clear aligners, growth-guiding appliances for younger patients, or jaw surgery for severe skeletal cases.
Disorder 08
Unmatched dental midlines
The dental midlines are the lines between the two upper front teeth and the two lower front teeth. When they do not align, the smile may appear off-center and, in some cases, the discrepancy may be associated with an uneven bite. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve repositioning teeth with braces or clear aligners.
Questions we are
asked about bites
The five questions that come up most often once patients recognize their own bite on this page.
Can orthodontic treatment help jaw joint (TMJ) pain?
TMJ symptoms can have many possible causes and are not always related to the way your teeth fit together. An evaluation can help identify possible contributing factors and determine whether orthodontic treatment—or a referral to another healthcare provider—is appropriate.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Teeth can move in response to steady pressure at any age, and many of our patients are adults—our practice treats patients of all ages. Because adult jaws are no longer growing, some corrections that may be straightforward in a child are approached differently in an adult.
Can straightening my teeth improve my speech?
It can, particularly when a speech difficulty involves the tongue’s position relative to the teeth. An open bite or a large overjet, for example, may make certain sounds harder to form. Improvement is not guaranteed for every speech concern. At your consultation, we can discuss whether treatment is likely to help in your case.
Will I need teeth taken out?
Not usually. Extractions are considered only when they are needed to achieve healthy alignment and a stable bite. We make this decision with you after an examination and X-ray and explain the available alternatives before you agree to treatment.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment time depends on what is being corrected and how your teeth respond. After examining your bite and reviewing your X-ray, we can provide an estimated treatment timeline and cost.
Every consultation at Orthodontic Options is free and includes a free digital panoramic X-ray, so you can see exactly which of these applies before anything is decided. See our treatments or watch the educational videos.