Common Orthodontic Problems
Orthodontic problems can affect patients of all ages, and in most cases, teeth do not naturally align perfectly. Issues such as malocclusion, commonly known as a “bad bite,” can impact chewing, oral hygiene, speech, and overall smile appearance. These concerns may be genetic or develop due to habits like thumb sucking, dental disease, poor oral hygiene, injury, birth conditions, or other medical factors.
At Dr. Doug Orthodontics, Dr. Doug Palaganas believes education is the first step toward effective treatment. By understanding the orthodontic concerns affecting you or your child, we can create a thoughtful, personalized plan to improve both bite function and smile aesthetics. Orthodontic treatment guided by Dr. Doug is designed to address underlying issues while supporting long-term comfort, health, and confidence. Below are examples of some of the most common orthodontic problems we treat.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.
Overbite
The upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, which can affect how the teeth fit together. In some cases, the lower front teeth may contact the roof of the mouth, leading to discomfort, wear, or potential damage if left untreated.
Crossbite
The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which can affect how the jaws develop and fit together. Over time, this misalignment may contribute to uneven wear, bite problems, and changes in jaw growth if left untreated.
Openbite
Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.
Spacing
Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth or differences in tooth size, and in some cases may be primarily cosmetic. However, gaps between teeth can also affect bite function and long-term dental health.
Underbite
In an underbite, the lower jaw extends forward, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth. This jaw relationship can affect chewing, speech, and overall bite function if left untreated.