Orthodontic concerns affect more than appearance. The position of the teeth and jaws can influence biting, chewing, tooth wear, oral hygiene, and long-term dental health. Dr. Schneider evaluates the full bite before recommending treatment.
Crowding occurs when there is not enough room for teeth to align properly. Teeth may overlap, rotate, or erupt out of position. Treatment may create or redistribute space and guide teeth into healthier alignment.
Spaces may result from missing teeth, small teeth, tooth position, oral habits, or a mismatch between tooth and jaw size. Orthodontic treatment can close or manage spaces based on the underlying cause and long-term dental plan.
Upper front teeth that extend too far forward may be more vulnerable to injury and may affect lip closure or confidence. Treatment depends on the teeth, jaws, growth, and bite relationship.
An overbite describes excessive vertical overlap of the upper and lower front teeth. A deep bite may contribute to tooth wear or contact with the gums or palate in some patients.
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Crossbites can affect the front or back teeth and may contribute to uneven wear, shifting of the jaw, or asymmetric growth.
With an open bite, some upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth closes. Open bites may be associated with growth patterns, tongue posture, or oral habits and require a diagnosis focused on the cause.
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth. It may relate to tooth position, jaw growth, or both. Timing can be especially important for growing patients.
Teeth may shift after previous treatment, particularly when retainers are not worn consistently. Depending on the amount of movement and the bite, limited clear-aligner or braces treatment may be possible.
The same visible concern can have different underlying causes. That is why treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation rather than choosing braces or aligners first. Dr. Schneider will explain what is happening and which options can address it predictably.