Understanding Common Orthodontic Issues: Causes and Solutions

A straight smile isn’t just about looks—it plays a big role in oral health, too. Misaligned teeth can cause chewing problems, jaw pain, and even speech issues. Early detection makes treatment easier and prevents bigger problems down the road. If you’re wondering whether orthodontic care is right for you, this guide will help you understand the causes, issues, and solutions available.

Common Orthodontic Issues

a. Crowding

Have you ever felt like your teeth are competing for space? That’s crowding. It happens when your jaw doesn’t have enough room to fit all your teeth properly.

• Causes:
  • Genetics (if your parents had crowded teeth, you might too).
  • Early loss of baby teeth, leading to improper spacing.
  • Large teeth in a small jaw.
• Why it’s a problem:
  • It is harder to clean between teeth, leading to cavities and gum disease.
  • Teeth can shift, making alignment worse over time.
  • It can cause jaw pain or uneven wear on teeth.

b. Spacing Issues

Some people have the opposite problem—too much space. Large gaps between teeth might not just be a cosmetic issue; they can affect bite function, too.

• Causes:
  • Missing teeth.
  • Thumb-sucking or extended pacifier use as a child.
  • Genetics.
• Potential problems:
  • Food gets trapped easily, increasing plaque buildup.
  • Affects how upper and lower teeth fit together.
  • May contribute to speech difficulties.

c. Overbite

An overbite happens when the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth. In very serious cases, the lower teeth may even touch the roof of the mouth.

• Causes:
  • Genetics.
  • Poor oral habits, like prolonged bottle feeding or thumb sucking.
  • Missing lower teeth.
• Effects on oral health:
  • It can wear down lower teeth faster.
  • In severe cases, it causes jaw discomfort and difficulty biting food.

d. Underbite

If the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth, that’s an underbite. It can make chewing and speaking harder and often leads to jaw strain.

• Causes:
  • Jaw growth differences.
  • Genetics.
  • Thumb-sucking or pacifier use in early childhood.
• Problems it can cause:
  • Higher risk of tooth wear and breakage.
  • Jaw joint pain over time.
  • It may lead to difficulty with speech sounds.

e. Crossbite

It happens when the upper teeth stay inside the lower teeth rather than outside. It can occur on one or both sides of the mouth.

• Why it happens:
  • Abnormal jaw growth.
  • Delayed loss of baby teeth.
• Risks of untreated:
  • It can cause teeth to wear down in an uneven manner.
  • Leads to gum recession.
  • It may cause jaw pain or asymmetry.

f. Open Bite

If you close your mouth and there’s a visible gap between your upper and lower teeth, that’s an open bite.

• Common causes:
  • Thumb-sucking beyond early childhood.
  • Tongue thrusting while swallowing.
  • Genetics.
• Problems associated with it:
  • Difficulty biting food properly.
  • Speech issues, especially with “s” and “th” sounds.
  • Increased strain on the jaw.

Causes of Orthodontic Problems

Many orthodontic issues stem from natural growth patterns, but some are influenced by habits or early childhood development. Here’s what contributes to misalignment:

• Genetics: If your parents needed braces, you might too.
• Childhood habits: Thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or prolonged bottle-feeding can push teeth out of alignment.
• Jaw growth issues: Sometimes, the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates, leading to bite problems.
• Tooth loss: Losing baby teeth sooner can cause neighboring teeth to shift into the wrong spaces.

For younger patients, pediatric orthodontics in Brookline focuses on preventing these issues before they become severe.

Treatment Options and Solutions

a. Braces

Braces have been around for decades, and for good reason—they work. They gradually move teeth into the right position using brackets and wires.

• Best for: Severe misalignment, overcrowding, and bite issues.
• Treatment time: 18 months to 3 years.

b. Clear Aligners

If you want a less noticeable option, clear aligners can help. These removable trays slowly shift teeth without metal brackets.

• Best for: Mild to moderate misalignment.
• Treatment time: 6 months to 2 years.

It is a popular option for adults and teens looking for orthodontics for misaligned teeth without the look of traditional braces.

c. Retainers

After braces or aligners, retainers keep teeth in place. Without one, teeth may shift back over time.

• Worn at night or full-time, depending on your orthodontist’s advice.
• Custom-made to fit your new smile.

d. Orthodontic Appliances

Some cases require more than just braces. Expanders and other appliances help guide jaw growth and create space for incoming teeth.

• Palatal expanders widen the upper jaw to prevent crowding.
• Space maintainers hold gaps open if a baby tooth is lost too early.

e. Surgical Options

In rare cases, surgery is necessary for severe misalignment. Corrective jaw surgery can fix bite problems that a brace alone can’t resolve.

Importance of Early Intervention and Regular Checkups

The earlier orthodontic issues are detected, the easier they are to fix. Regular checkups with a dentist near you help catch problems before they get worse.

• Kids should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
• Adults can get treatment, too—it’s never too late for a straighter smile.
• Routine visits help maintain results after braces or aligners.

Final Thoughts

Straight teeth aren’t just about appearance—they improve chewing, speaking, and long-term oral health. If you or your child have alignment concerns, early treatment makes all the difference. Visit Dental Partners of Brookline for expert care and personalized orthodontic solutions. A healthier, more confident smile starts with the right treatment!