Common problems

Common orthodontic problems

At White Orthodontics, we strive to provide world-class orthodontic treatment in a warm, welcoming, and friendly office environment. We understand that every patient is different, which is why we offer a wide range of orthodontic treatment options, and our O’Fallon & Florissant orthodontists strive to make every visit a pleasant experience. While each case is unique, the majority of orthodontic problems fall within a range of common malocclusions, or “bad bites” – and thankfully, we can treat them all at our office.

This condition develops when the lower jaw extends out beyond the upper jaw, with the upper front teeth sitting inside the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. Underbite can cause problems in bite function, jaw development, and even speech.
Overbite is the inverse of an underbite, occurring when the lower jaw doesn’t extend out far enough. This can cause jaw problems and functional bite problems, and in extreme cases, the lower teeth may even bite into the roof of the mouth.
Crowding is the most common reason for braces, and it occurs when there isn’t enough room in the dental arch to accommodate all the teeth. This causes the teeth to grow in crooked and misaligned, causing both aesthetic and functional problems in the smile. We can often treat crowding through early orthodontic treatment, eliminating the need for tooth extraction.
The opposite of crowding, spacing problems occur when there’s too much room in the dental arch or the teeth are too small. This leaves large, visible gaps between the teeth. This may be purely cosmetic, or it may also cause functional problems.
This occurs when the upper front teeth slant forward, jutting out from the mouth too far. This can cause both aesthetic and functional issues, but it also puts the front teeth at increased risk of dental trauma, which is why we often recommend early treatment.
This malocclusion is characterized by upper teeth that site inside the lower teeth when closed, particularly towards the back of the mouth. Crossbite can cause bite problems and tooth stratification, and it also often comes with problems in jaw development.
Openbite by upper and lower front teeth that slant forward so much that they don’t overlap when the mouth is closed. Openbite is often caused by childhood habits like tongue thrusting or prolonged thumb sucking, and it can cause significant problems in speech, bite function, and jaw development.
This problem occurs when the back bite doesn’t fit into place correctly. In addition to causing uneven tooth wear, this can lead to problems in jaw development as well as bite function.

Schedule a consultation with your orthodontist serving Florissant, O'Fallon & the surrounding areas

All of these malocclusions are highly common, and many patients have multiple malocclusions at once that combine in unique ways. As leading orthodontists in O’Fallon and Florissant, we can identify the exact combination of malocclusions in a patient and design a treatment plan that treats all of them as conveniently as possible, helping any patient achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. If you think you might be suffering from one of these malocclusions or want to revitalize your life with a new smile, we can help. Take the first step towards a new smile and a new you: schedule a consultation online today!

Schedule consultation