Having a beautiful smile is about more than appearances — it’s a key component of oral health and overall confidence. Many people face common orthodontic issues like crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, or crossbite that can affect both functionality and aesthetics. Fortunately, with the expertise of Smile Power Orthodontics, addressing these concerns is straightforward and effective. Personalized treatments tailored to your unique needs are available from our team in Walnut Creek, CA, if you're coping with common orthodontic concerns.
Understanding Common Orthodontic Issues
Orthodontic problems can occur for a variety of reasons, including genetics, injuries, or even early childhood habits like thumb sucking. Regardless of the reason, these problems can influence various aspects, including the look of your smile and your capacity to chew, speak, or uphold adequate oral hygiene. Here’s a closer look at five of the most common orthodontic problems:
Crowding
Crowding happens when there’s not enough space in your jaw to accommodate all your teeth. This may lead to teeth overlapping or twisting, which can complicate proper cleaning. Left untreated, crowding can lead to cavities, gum disease, or uneven tooth wear.
At Smile Power Orthodontics, crowding is often treated with braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic appliances. For severe cases, tooth extractions may be necessary to create more room before beginning treatment.
Spacing
On the flip side of crowding, spacing refers to gaps between teeth. This issue can stem from missing teeth, teeth that are smaller than average, or differences in jaw and tooth size. While some people may not mind the appearance of gaps, they can lead to gum problems or make chewing less effective.
Treatment options for spacing include braces, Invisalign, or clear aligners. These devices gently bring your teeth closer together for a more balanced look and better oral health.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth protrude too far over the lower teeth. This can cause problems like excessive tooth wear, difficulty biting, or even jaw pain. Depending on its severity, an overbite could also affect your facial profile.
Orthodontic treatments for overbites may include braces (traditional, clear, or self-ligating) or Invisalign. For some patients, rubber bands, retainers, or other appliances are used in conjunction with braces to properly align the jaw and teeth.
Underbite
An underbite is the opposite of an overbite, where the lower front teeth extend further forward than the upper teeth. This imbalance can make chewing, speaking, or even closing your mouth challenging. Severe underbites can also lead to a mismatched jaw appearance and discomfort.
While braces and Invisalign are commonly used to address underbites, jaw expanders or surgery may be required in extreme cases. By catching this issue early, treatment can usually be easier and more predictable.
Crossbite
Crossbites occur when some upper teeth fit inside rather than outside the lower teeth. This can happen on one or both sides of the jaw and often leads to uneven tooth wear, gum recession, or jaw problems.
Treatment for crossbites typically involves braces or Invisalign to reposition the teeth. Early intervention with expanders during childhood is most effective, but adult patients can absolutely benefit from treatment as well.
How Common Orthodontic Issues Are Treated
At Smile Power Orthodontics, every treatment plan begins with a thorough evaluation. Using advanced diagnostic tools, including the iTero 3D scanner and CBCT imaging, our team can create a detailed map of your teeth and jaw. This allows us to customize an approach that addresses your unique needs.
Braces
Braces remain one of the most reliable ways to treat common orthodontic issues. From traditional metal braces to more discreet clear or gold braces, we offer several options to meet our patients’ preferences. Braces work steadily over time, applying pressure to move teeth into their ideal positions.
Invisalign
Invisalign provides a discreet and convenient solution for those seeking an alternative to braces. Using clear, removable aligners, Invisalign corrects a variety of issues, including crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite problems.
Many adults and teens choose Invisalign for its flexibility. They can remove the aligners while eating or brushing, making it easy to maintain hygiene and enjoy favorite foods during treatment.
Orthodontic Appliances
Some conditions, like severe crossbites or jaw misalignment, may require specialized orthodontic appliances. These can include palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw or retainers for minor adjustments. At Smile Power Orthodontics, we use these tools alongside braces or Invisalign for comprehensive care.
The Smile Power Orthodontics Advantage
Choosing the right orthodontic provider is essential for successful treatment, and Smile Power Orthodontics has all the expertise you need. Led by Dr. Bridget Powers and Dr. Jeff Roseth, our practice has served the Walnut Creek community for over 25 years. Our cutting-edge technology, commitment to personalized care, and welcoming environment set us apart from the rest.
We understand that no two patients are alike, and we take pride in offering tailored solutions for every smile. Whether you’re dealing with mild spacing issues or a severe underbite, we’ll work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Take the First Step Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with common orthodontic issues, Smile Power Orthodontics is here to help. A healthier smile starts with understanding your unique needs and exploring effective treatment options.
Reach out to our team to schedule your consult, or visit our Walnut Creek office to meet our friendly team. Together, we’ll help you achieve a smile that’s not only beautiful but also functional and healthy.