Orthodontic Disorders
Common conditions we treat at Seacoast Orthodontics
A properly aligned bite is fundamental to your oral health, comfort, and confidence. Our orthodontic team specializes in diagnosing and treating various bite disorders that affect millions of people. Whether you’re dealing with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other alignment issues, we provide personalized treatment solutions designed to restore both function and aesthetics to your smile.
Deep Bite: When Upper Teeth Overlap Too Much
An overbite occurs when your upper front teeth extend too far over your lower teeth when you bite down. While a slight overbite is normal, excessive overlap can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and jaw function. We treat overbites using various methods including braces, and clear aligners. Early intervention often produces the best results, though adults can successfully correct overbites at any age. Left untreated, severe overbites may lead to tooth wear, gum problems, and jaw pain.
Underbite: Lower Teeth Protruding Forward
An underbite develops when your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth, creating a protruding lower jaw appearance. This condition affects both facial aesthetics and oral function, making it difficult to bite and chew food properly. We address underbites through orthodontic treatment that may include braces or Invisalign and elastics. The earlier we can begin treatment, particularly during childhood development, the more conservative our approach can be.
Overjet: Horizontal Gap Between Front Teeth
Overjet refers to the horizontal distance between your upper and lower front teeth when measured from front to back. While often confused with overbite, overjet specifically measures how far your upper teeth stick out horizontally. This condition increases the risk of dental trauma and can affect speech patterns. We correct overjet using braces or Invisaslign and elastics to gradually move teeth into proper position, reducing the gap and improving both function and appearance.
Crossbite: Misaligned Upper and Lower Teeth
A crossbite occurs when some of your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth rather than outside them. This can happen with front teeth, back teeth, or both, and often results from narrow upper jaw development. We treat crossbites using expanders or Invisalign. Early treatment is particularly important as crossbites can cause uneven jaw growth and tooth wear if left uncorrected.
Open Bite: Gap When Teeth Should Meet
An open bite creates a visible gap between your upper and lower teeth when you try to close your mouth completely. This condition makes it difficult to bite into foods like pizza or sandwiches and can affect speech clarity. We address open bite issues through comprehensive treatment that may include breaking thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits, and using braces or clear aligners. Success often depends on patient cooperation and addressing underlying habits that contribute to the problem.
Excessive Spacing: Gaps Between Teeth
Excessive spacing occurs when there are noticeable gaps between your teeth, often caused by missing teeth, small tooth size, or jaw size discrepancies. While some people embrace natural gaps, others prefer a more uniform smile appearance. We close unwanted spaces using braces or clear aligners that gradually move teeth together. Treatment planning considers your facial structure and smile aesthetics to achieve natural-looking results.
Crowding: Insufficient Space for Proper Alignment
Dental crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in your mouth for all teeth to align properly, causing them to overlap, twist, or push out of position. Crowded teeth are harder to clean effectively, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. We address crowding through various approaches including braces, clear aligners, and sometimes strategic tooth removal when space is severely limited. Modern orthodontic techniques often allow us to create space without extractions through careful treatment planning.
Treat Disorders Early to Prevent Long Term Dental Issues
Your bite affects more than just your smile’s appearance—it impacts your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and maintain good oral health throughout your life. Our team stays current with the latest techniques and technologies to provide you with effective, comfortable treatment options that fit your individual needs.