What Are The Most Common Problems with Teeth Alignment
Most people don’t have perfectly aligned teeth, and that’s completely normal. Orthodontic problems can affect anyone, from children to adults. When teeth or jaws don’t fit together properly, it’s called a malocclusion, or “bad bite.”
Malocclusions can cause issues with chewing, speaking, oral hygiene, and facial balance. They may be genetic or develop from thumb sucking, injury, poor dental hygiene, or other medical conditions.
The good news? These issues can be corrected. With expert care from Dr. Preeti Sidhu at Stellar Orthodontics, you can achieve a healthier bite and a confident smile..
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
When the upper front teeth stick out too far forward or the lower teeth are too far back, it can affect both your smile and your bite.
This condition may cause speech difficulties, increase the risk of injury to front teeth, and impact facial appearance.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively, sometimes causing the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Correcting an overbite improves comfort, jaw alignment, and the overall balance of your smile.
Crossbite
In a crossbite, the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. This misalignment can lead to uneven jaw growth, tooth wear, and gum issues.
Early treatment helps guide proper jaw development and prevent future complications.
Openbite
An open bite means the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth. This can make chewing and speech difficult and may cause tongue-thrusting habits.
Orthodontic treatment can close the open space, improving both function and appearance.
Crowding
Crowding happens when teeth don’t have enough room to come in properly.
It can make brushing and flossing harder, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Fortunately, many cases of crowding can be corrected with expansion appliances, often avoiding the need for extractions.
Spacing
Spacing issues occur when there are gaps between teeth, often caused by missing teeth or natural tooth size discrepancies.
While sometimes just a cosmetic concern, spacing can also affect bite alignment and gum health. Orthodontic treatment can close gaps for a more uniform smile.
Underbite
In an underbite, the lower jaw extends too far forward, causing the lower front teeth to sit ahead of the upper ones.
This can lead to difficulty biting, uneven wear, and jaw discomfort. Early diagnosis allows Dr. Sidhu to plan precise correction and avoid long-term joint strain.
Why Choose Stellar Orthodontics?
At Stellar Orthodontics, Dr. Preeti Sidhu uses advanced techniques and technologies like Invisalign®, Angel Aligners, WildSmiles® Braces, and KL Owen custom systems to treat every type of bite.
Whether the goal is cosmetic enhancement or functional correction, our personalized approach helps you achieve a smile that looks and feels amazing. Stellar Orthodontics can help you or your child correct bite issues and build a healthier, more confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions patients and parents ask when exploring treatment for misalignment, crowding, overbites, underbites, and more. If you ever need personalized guidance, our team at Stellar Orthodontics is always here to help.
What happens if orthodontic problems like crowding or spacing are left untreated?
Untreated bite issues can lead to premature tooth wear, gum recession, speech difficulties, and long-term jaw discomfort. Correcting alignment early helps protect dental health and facial balance.
Can orthodontic treatment help improve jaw pain or TMJ symptoms?
Yes. Some forms of jaw discomfort are linked to malocclusions. By correcting misalignment, orthodontic treatment may help reduce pressure on the joints and improve overall bite function.
Do bite problems require surgery, or can braces or aligners fix them?
Most malocclusions, including crossbites, overbites, spacing, and crowding, can be corrected with braces, aligners, or growth-guided orthodontic appliances. Surgery is only needed in severe skeletal cases.
Can adults with long-standing bite issues still achieve correction?
Absolutely. Many adults in Fulshear seek treatment for long-term bite problems. Modern options like Angel Aligners and KL Owen braces make treatment efficient, discreet, and comfortable at any age.
How long does bite correction usually take with modern orthodontics?
Treatment time depends on the severity of the malocclusion. Mild spacing or crowding may take under a year, while more complex bite issues may take 18–24 months. Dr. Sidhu provides a customized timeline during your exam.
