Treatable Cases

Overbite occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It’s typically caused by genetics, bad oral habits, or over-development of the bone that supports the teeth. This can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth, and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Underbite can occur when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It’s usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. Missing upper teeth can also cause the condition. This can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars, which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Crossbite can occur when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and the sides of the mouth. This can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease and bone loss.

Gaps between teeth can occur with abnormal continued growth of the jawbone. Missing teeth can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift due to the extra space, creating gaps in your teeth. Spacing issues and gaps between teeth can lead to gum problems (due to lack of protection by the teeth), periodontal pockets and increased risk of periodontal disease.

Open bite often occurs when some teeth are unable to make physical contact with the opposing teeth for a proper bite. Most often caused by a genetic abnormal jaw structure or excessive thumb-sucking, an open bite can cause poor or painful chewing, and even speech impairment. It can also lead to greater issues like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Teeth crowding occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can get worse over time, and result in severely crooked teeth. This crowding can lead to plaque accumulation, tooth decay and an increased chance of gum disease.

When misalignment is noticeable in this early stage, starting treatment sooner can decrease total treatment times or prevent the need for more extensive treatment in later stages. Special considerations are necessary when children have a mix of both adult and baby teeth. Luckily, advanced 3D planning models allow us to produce predictable results.

Tooth alignment doesn’t have to be severe to cause problems, especially regarding patient confidence and self-esteem. When teeth have a general misalignment, even one that doesn’t quite fit into any specific category, Invisalign can address the issue to create a more aesthetic appearance and help patients achieve the perfect smile they’ve always wanted.