Common Orthodontic Issues

Orthodontic issues, also known as malocclusions or bite problems, occur when the teeth and jaws are misaligned. These issues can lead to problems with chewing, speaking, oral hygiene, and even self-esteem. Addressing orthodontic issues early, especially in children, can prevent more severe complications later in life. However, adults can also benefit greatly from orthodontic treatment to correct longstanding problems.

Here are some of the most common orthodontic issues treated by Dr. Natalie Lam at Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

What Are Common Orthodontic Issues

Overcrowding of Teeth

Overcrowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly. As a result, the teeth may overlap, twist, or become crooked. Overcrowded teeth can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Causes of Overcrowding

• Genetics: Some people inherit a jaw that is too small to accommodate all their teeth.
• Early loss of baby teeth: Losing baby teeth prematurely can lead to space issues for adult teeth.
• Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use: These habits can affect jaw development, leading to overcrowding.

Treatment Options

For children, early intervention is key. Dr. Lam might recommend space maintainers or palatal expanders to create more room for the adult teeth to grow properly. For teens and adults, braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign^®) are often used to straighten the teeth and alleviate overcrowding.

Overbite (Deep Bite)

An overbite, sometimes called a deep bite, occurs when the upper front teeth overlap significantly over the lower front teeth. In severe cases, the lower teeth can bite into the roof of the mouth. An untreated overbite can lead to tooth wear, gum irritation, jaw pain, and even problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Causes of Overbite

• Genetics: Overbite is often inherited.
• Thumb sucking: Prolonged thumb-sucking during childhood can contribute to the development of an overbite.
• Jaw alignment issues: Discrepancies in jaw growth can lead to overbites.

Treatment Options

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Lam treats overbites using braces or clear aligners to gradually reposition the teeth. For children, early orthodontic treatment is especially effective at correcting overbites before they become more severe. In some cases, elastics or rubber bands may be used in conjunction with braces to shift the upper and lower teeth into proper alignment.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth, creating a reverse bite. This can cause difficulty with chewing and speaking, and it can also affect facial esthetics, giving the jaw a more pronounced appearance. In more severe cases, underbites can lead to jaw pain and uneven wear on the teeth. 

Causes of Underbite

• Genetics: Underbite is often hereditary and is more common in people with larger lower jaws or smaller upper jaws.
• Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use: These habits can affect jaw alignment and contribute to an underbite.
• Jaw growth discrepancies: Uneven growth between the upper and lower jaws can result in an underbite.

Treatment Options

Dr. Lam may recommend braces, clear aligners, or a reverse pull headgear to shift the upper jaw forward and correct the underbite. Early treatment, such as with a palatal expander, can be particularly effective in children. In severe cases, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the skeletal issues causing the underbite.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can affect one or multiple teeth and may occur at the front (anterior crossbite) or back (posterior crossbite) of the mouth. If left untreated, crossbites can cause wear on the teeth, gum recession, and even misalignment of the jaw.

Causes of Crossbite

• Genetics: Like other orthodontic issues, crossbites are often hereditary.
• Abnormal tooth or jaw development: Incorrect jaw development can lead to a crossbite.
• Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use: These habits can cause the teeth and jaws to grow abnormally.

Treatment Options

Dr. Lam may recommend braces, clear aligners, or reverse pull headgear to shift the upper jaw forward and correct the underbite. Early treatment, such as with a palatal expander, can be particularly effective in children. In severe cases, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the skeletal issues causing the underbite. 

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap between the front or back teeth. This can lead to problems with chewing and speaking and may cause difficulties with biting into food.

Causes of Open Bite

• Thumb sucking: One of the most common causes of open bite, especially in children.
• Tongue thrusting: This habit involves pushing the tongue against the front teeth while swallowing, which can affect tooth alignment.
• Genetics: Inherited traits can sometimes cause open bites.

Treatment Options

Our orthodontist in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch addresses open bite issues using braces, clear aligners, and in some cases, habit-breaking appliances to correct harmful habits like tongue thrusting. For younger patients, stopping thumb sucking early can prevent the development of an open bite. In severe cases, surgery may be required to reposition the jaws and close the bite. Contact us to learn more.

Spacing Issues (Gaps Between Teeth)

Spacing issues, also known as diastema, occur when there are gaps or spaces between the teeth. While some people are not bothered by gaps in their teeth, spacing issues can lead to improper bite alignment, difficulty with chewing, and aesthetic concerns.

Causes of Spacing Issues

• Genetics: A common cause, especially when there is a mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jaw.
• Missing teeth: The absence of one or more teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift and create gaps.
• Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting: These habits can push the teeth apart.

Treatment Options

Spacing issues are often treated with braces or clear aligners to close the gaps and bring the teeth into proper alignment. In cases where missing teeth are causing spacing issues, dental bridges, implants, or bonding may be recommended as part of the treatment plan.

Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to erupt properly through the gums, often because it is blocked by other teeth, bone, or soft tissue. Impacted teeth can cause discomfort and may lead to misalignment of other teeth.

Causes of Impacted Teeth

• Lack of space: When there isn’t enough room in the jaw for a tooth to erupt, it can become impacted.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to having impacted teeth, particularly wisdom teeth and canines.

Treatment Options

Treatment for impacted teeth usually involves orthodontic appliances like braces, springs, or chains to guide the tooth into its correct position. In some cases, minor oral surgery may be required to expose the impacted tooth before orthodontic treatment begins.

Protruding Teeth (Buck Teeth)

Protruding teeth, commonly referred to as “buck teeth,” occur when the upper front teeth extend outward, creating an imbalance between the upper and lower teeth. This can increase the risk of injury to the front teeth and can also affect facial aesthetics.

Causes of Protruding Teeth

• Genetics: Protruding teeth are often inherited.
• Thumb sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking during childhood can push the teeth forward.
• Tongue thrusting: Similar to thumb sucking, this habit can push the teeth out of alignment.

Treatment Options

Protruding teeth are typically treated with braces or clear aligners to gently move the teeth into their proper positions. In children, early intervention can prevent protruding teeth from worsening, while adults may require a more comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan.

Jaw Misalignment (Skeletal Malocclusion)

Jaw misalignment, also known as skeletal malocclusion, occurs when the upper and lower jaws do not line up correctly. This can lead to bite issues such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite and may affect chewing, speaking, and overall facial structure.

Causes of Jaw Misalignment

• Genetics: Jaw misalignment is often inherited.
• Thumb sucking or pacifier use: These habits can affect the growth and development of the jaws.

Treatment Options

Dr. Lam may recommend braces, clear aligners, or elastics to correct jaw misalignment in children and adults. In severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to realign the jaws.

Why Choose Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch?

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Natalie Lam and her team specialize in diagnosing and treating all these common orthodontic issues in both children and adults. What sets this practice apart is its commitment to individualized care and state-of-the-art technology. Whether your orthodontic issues are minor or complex, Dr. Lam offers personalized treatment plans that ensure long-lasting results.

Conclusion

Orthodontic issues are common, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, they can be corrected to improve both the function and appearance of your smile. From overcrowding to jaw misalignment, Dr. Natalie Lam and her team at Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in La Jolla and San Diego can provide expert care to address a wide range of orthodontic problems. With early intervention and customized treatment plans, patients of all ages can achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. 

At Seaside Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are committed to providing gentle, expert dental care. With two convenient locations at 875 Prospect St #202, La Jolla, CA 92037, and 10549 Scripps Poway Pkwy Suite E, San Diego, CA 92131, we make it easy to schedule an appointment that fits your family's busy lifestyle. Call us today at (858) 551-9700 for our La Jolla office or (858) 271-4200 for our San Diego location to book your next visit!