Common Orthodontic Problems
What Is a Crossbite?
A crossbite is a type of orthodontic problem that occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when you close your mouth. Normally, the upper teeth should rest slightly outside the lower teeth. When this alignment is reversed, it is called a crossbite. Crossbites can affect the front teeth (anterior crossbite) or the back teeth (posterior crossbite) and can occur in both children and adults. At Sudbury Orthodontics, we diagnose and treat crossbites early to prevent long-term dental complications and protect your smile.
What Causes a Crossbite?
Several factors can contribute to developing a crossbite, including:
- Genetics and jaw size differences
- Delayed or abnormal tooth eruption
- Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
- Crowded teeth
- Narrow upper jaw
What Problems Can a Crossbite Cause?
If left untreated, a crossbite can lead to:
- Uneven tooth wear
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Gum recession
- Small notches near the gum line
- Jaw discomfort or shifting
- Increased risk of bone loss around affected teeth
Over time, this misalignment can cause functional issues and may affect facial symmetry.
How Is a Crossbite Treated?
The good news is that crossbites are highly treatable. Depending on your age and the severity of the case, treatment options may include:
- Braces
- Clear aligners
- Palatal expanders
- Early interceptive orthodontic treatment for children
At Sudbury Orthodontics, we provide personalized treatment plans for children, teens, and adults to ensure optimal long-term results.
What Is an Open Bite?
An open bite is a type of orthodontic condition where the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is fully closed. Normally, the top and bottom teeth should come together to allow proper chewing and biting. When there is a visible gap between them, it is called an open bite. An open bite can affect the front teeth (anterior open bite) or the back teeth (posterior open bite) and can occur in both children and adults. At Sudbury Orthodontics, early diagnosis and treatment of open bites can help prevent long-term functional and dental complications.
What Causes an Open Bite?
Several factors may contribute to the development of an open bite, including:
- Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
- Tongue thrusting habits
- Skeletal jaw growth differences
- Genetics
- Abnormal tooth eruption
An early orthodontic evaluation allows our team to identify these concerns and recommend the appropriate treatment.
What Problems Can an Open Bite Cause?
If left untreated, an open bite can lead to:
- Difficulty chewing food properly
- Trouble biting into foods like apples or sandwiches
- Speech difficulties (such as lisping)
- Jaw strain or discomfort
- Excessive wear on certain teeth
- Aesthetic concerns affecting smile confidence
Because the teeth are not functioning together correctly, this condition can place unnecessary stress on other areas of the mouth.
How Is an Open Bite Treated?
Treatment depends on the patient’s age and the severity of the condition. Options may include:
- Braces
- Clear aligners
- Growth modification appliances (for children)
- Habit-correction appliances
- Orthodontic jaw guidance
At Sudbury Orthodontics, we create customized treatment plans for children, teens, and adults to restore proper bite function and improve smile aesthetics.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. In fact, most people naturally have a small overbite and that is completely normal. However, when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much, it is called a deep bite. A deep overbite may require orthodontic treatment to prevent long-term dental and jaw issues. At Sudbury Orthodontics, we carefully evaluate the degree of overbite to determine whether treatment is necessary.
How Much Overbite Is Normal?
Orthodontists measure overbite as a percentage of how much the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth.
- 5% to 25% overlap is considered ideal and healthy.
- More than that may indicate a deep bite.
If the overlap is excessive, it can begin to affect the health and function of your teeth and jaw.
What Problems Can an Overbite Cause?
When an overbite is too large, it can lead to:
- Excessive wear on the lower front teeth
- Chipping or damage to teeth
- Gum irritation behind the upper teeth
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Headaches or TMJ-related symptoms
- Increased risk of long-term tooth damage
Over time, untreated deep bites may compromise both dental health and facial balance.
How Is an Overbite Treated?
Treatment depends on age and severity. Options may include:
- Braces
- Clear aligners
- Bite-correcting appliances
- Early interceptive treatment for children
At Sudbury Orthodontics, we create customized treatment plans for children, teens, and adults to ensure long-term stability and a properly aligned bite.
What is an underbite?
An underbite is when you close your mouth and your lower front teeth are in front of your upper teeth. In many cases, this is actually a problem with your lower jaw being too far forward.
What kinds of problems can an underbite cause?
An underbite can make it hard to chew properly and speak clearly, and it might cause your teeth to wear down more quickly.
What are crowded teeth?
When you don't have enough room in your jaw for your teeth to fit normally, your teeth can bunch up, overlap and twist, sometimes getting pushed to the front or the back.
What kinds of problems can crowded teeth cause?
Crowded teeth can make it hard to brush and floss well. Then it’s easier for plaque, tartar, and harmful bacterial to build up – and down the line, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Your crowded teeth can also get worse over time.
What are gap teeth?
When you have extra space between two or more of your teeth, your doctor calls this spacing issues or gap teeth.
What kinds of problems can gap teeth cause?
Gap teeth can create pockets between your teeth and gums where food can get stuck. It can make your gums tender and sore and even lead to gum disease.
What is Phase 1?
As a child grows, their smile grows with them. And even with baby teeth, it may be the perfect time for children ages 6 to 10 to start orthodontic treatment. This is known as Phase 1 treatment.
What are the advantages of Phase 1 treatment?
The goal of Phase 1 treatment is to develop young jaws and/or arches to make room for existing teeth and for incoming permanent teeth.
Can prevent pre-existing bite issues from getting worse.
Can fix existing teeth straightening conditions.
Can improve the appearance of a growing child’s smile.
Can help with oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
Can make Phase 2 treatment shorter and easier.
Crooked Teeth seem like a little thing. Why should you fix it?
You like your smile — but you really want to love it. Maybe you have a special event coming up, or you want the confidence to take on the world at work or at school. Small fixes can make a big difference, and with Invisalign treatment you can now see the difference faster than with braces.