Common Orthodontic Problems We Treat in Cedar Park
Orthodontic concerns can affect patients of all ages. Teeth and jaws rarely develop in perfect alignment, and bite issues can affect chewing, oral hygiene, speech, and overall appearance. Malocclusion, often called a “bad bite,” may be genetic or influenced by habits such as thumb sucking, dental disease, injuries, or developmental conditions.
Understanding your orthodontic concern is the first step toward correcting it. At Cedar Park Smiles, Dr. Craig Taylor carefully evaluates each patient to improve both the function of the bite and the appearance of the smile through personalized orthodontic treatment.
Below are some of the most common orthodontic problems we treat.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
Upper front teeth protrusion occurs when the upper teeth extend too far forward or the lower jaw sits too far back. This condition can affect facial balance, increase injury risk, and interfere with normal chewing function over time.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. This condition can cause uneven tooth wear, strain the jaw muscles, and interfere with proper chewing and long-term bite stability.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside. This condition can affect jaw growth, create uneven tooth wear, and contribute to shifting or misalignment over time.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap when biting down. This condition can limit proper chewing ability, affect speech clarity, and disrupt balanced bite function over time.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and in many cases tooth removal can be avoided.
Spacing
Spacing occurs when gaps develop between teeth due to missing teeth or size differences. This condition can affect bite stability, allow unwanted tooth shifting, and affect the overall appearance of the smile.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends forward beyond the upper jaw. This condition can reduce chewing efficiency, place strain on jaw joints, and affect facial balance and overall bite alignment.
Recognize One of These?
Most of these are correctable, and several are easiest to correct while a patient is still growing. Bring your questions to a complimentary exam and Dr. Taylor will tell you what you are looking at and what the options are.
Cedar Park Smiles 100 N Lakeline Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512) 219-1389 Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
