Orthodontic issues crop up more often than you might think, and quick action can strongly change your grin and the wellbeing of your mouth overall.
Whether you’re considering clear aligners or traditional braces, an Edmonton orthodontist can help identify and correct these problems.
Understanding the most common concerns that orthodontists treat is the first step toward a healthier bite and a more confident smile. Here are ten of the most common orthodontic issues and how they’re corrected.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth are one of the most common issues orthodontists treat, especially in children and teens. When there isn’t enough space in the jaw, teeth can overlap, twist, or become displaced, making it harder to keep them clean. This can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.
An Edmonton orthodontist who knows their stuff can look at how crowded your teeth are. Then, they’ll tell you the best way to fix it. This could be braces or clear aligners, it all depends on your teeth.
Both are designed to gradually shift teeth into better alignment. Starting care early can really give a hand, steering right growth of the jaw and stopping tougher issues from popping up later.
If you or your child are dealing with crowded teeth, it is important to seek professional advice. Correcting crowding not only improves the appearance of your smile but also aids in maintaining the health and working condition of your mouth for years to come.
Gapped or Spaced Teeth
Gapped or spaced teeth occur when there is too much room in the mouth, causing noticeable spaces between teeth. These spacing problems can affect both children and adults and are often caused by genetics, missing teeth, or habits like thumb sucking.
While some people embrace the look of gapped teeth, others may feel self-conscious or experience issues with food getting stuck and speech difficulties.
An Edmonton orthodontist can help close these gaps and improve both function and appearance.
If there are problems with spaces between your teeth, you may need clear aligners or regular braces. It all depends on how big the gaps are and where they’re located.
Clear aligners are a discreet and good choice for many patients, offering flexibility and comfort.
In some cases, dental crowding or crooked teeth can be there alongside gaps, meaning you might need a more comprehensive orthodontic approach.
Addressing gaps can enhance your smile and support better oral hygiene by reducing areas where plaque can build up. If you’re concerned about spacing, an orthodontic consultation is a great first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Overbite
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth.
A slight overbite is normal, but when it comes to a deep overbite, all sorts of problems can pop up, like jaw pain and difficulty biting. It may also affect the appearance of your smile and facial profile. An Edmonton orthodontist can diagnose the severity of the overbite and create a personalized treatment plan.
Options often include clear aligners or traditional Edmonton braces, both gently nudging the teeth and jaws into a more harmonious layout over time. In some cases, rubber bands or other appliances may be used to help correct jaw positioning. Addressing an overbite early, especially during childhood or adolescence, can lead to more efficient and lasting results.
However, adults can also achieve excellent outcomes with the right treatment. Correcting an overbite not only improves aesthetics but also helps maintain long-term oral function and health.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth extend past the upper front teeth. This misalignment, often involving the lower jaw, can cause difficulty with chewing and speaking, and can even lead to jaw pain or uneven tooth wear over time. In more noticeable cases, it may also affect facial asymmetry, facial appearance, and self-confidence. An Edmonton orthodontist can evaluate the severity of an underbite and recommend the most effective orthodontic treatments. Depending on the case, options may include clear aligners, ceramic braces, Edmonton braces, or in more severe situations, a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery.
Early intervention during childhood is ideal, as it can help guide lower jaw growth and prevent more complex issues in the future. However, adults can also benefit from targeted treatment using modern techniques. Addressing an underbite improves not just the aesthetics of your smile, but also your overall bite function and long-term oral health
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside, creating an uneven fit between the jaws. This misalignment can appear in the front, the back, or on just one side of the mouth.Left untreated, a crossbite may cause excessive tooth wear, gum recession, jaw discomfort, and even shifts in facial symmetry over time. An Edmonton orthodontist can accurately diagnose the type of crossbite and recommend an individualized treatment plan.Based on how old you are and what your teeth need, you might use different things to fix your smile. You could use things like clear aligners or standard braces from places like Edmonton.
Sometimes, you may also use special devices that can make your palate broader or help your jaw grow the right way. Clear aligners appeal to many teens and adults who want a discreet option, while braces remain highly effective for more complex corrections.Early treatment often produces quicker, more stable results, but patients of any age can benefit. Correcting a crossbite promotes balanced chewing, healthier gums, and a confident, well‑aligned smile.
Open Bite
An open bite is a condition where the upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap. It can often happen to your front teeth, but your back teeth can also be affected. Common causes include prolonged thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or issues with jaw development. An open bite can make everyday tasks like biting into food or speaking clearly more difficult.
It may also lead to uneven tooth wear or jaw discomfort over time. An orthodontist in Edmonton can figure out the problem and suggest what to do next. Treatment options include traditional Edmonton braces or clear aligners, both of which can gradually close the bite and restore proper alignment. Early treatment, especially during childhood, can correct the issue more efficiently, but adults can also benefit from orthodontic care.
Addressing an open bite not only improves function but also enhances your overall smile and facial balance.
Jaw Misalignment
Jaw misalignment happens when the upper and lower jaws do not line up correctly. This can lead to problems such as difficulty chewing, speech issues, jaw pain, and even changes in facial appearance. In some cases, it may also contribute to breathing or sleep concerns.
Causes can include genetics or uneven jaw growth during childhood. An experienced Edmonton orthodontist can take a look at the alignment of your jaw and suggest a plan made for your specific situation. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve braces, clear aligners, or in more complex cases, a combination of orthodontic care and jaw surgery. Early diagnosis, especially during the teen years, often allows for easier correction. However, adults can still get great results with a carefully planned approach. Correcting jaw misalignment improves how your teeth function and can enhance overall comfort, health, and confidence in your smile.
Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are teeth that do not fully emerge through the gums, often because there is not enough space or they are growing in the wrong direction. Wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted, but other teeth, such as canines, can also be affected. Impacted teeth can cause pain, swelling, and crowding of nearby teeth. They may also lead to infection or damage if left untreated.
An Edmonton orthodontist can detect impacted teeth early through digital imaging and recommend the right course of action. In many cases, treatment may involve creating space with Edmonton braces or guiding the impacted tooth into place using clear aligners and specialized appliances. Sometimes, minor oral surgery may be needed to assist with the process. Addressing impacted teeth early helps avoid more serious complications and ensures a healthier, better-aligned smile. Regular orthodontic checkups are key to catching and managing these issues before they become more complex.
Protruding Front Teeth
Protruding front teeth happen when the upper front teeth stick out too far beyond the lower teeth. This condition can affect both appearance and function. It may increase the risk of dental injury, especially in active children or teens, and can lead to speech problems, difficulty closing the lips, or jaw discomfort. Protruding teeth are often caused by genetics, thumb sucking, or prolonged pacifier use.
Braces help to shift teeth into the right spots. Clear aligners, which are less noticeable, are a popular pick for many teenagers and grown-ups.
In some cases, additional appliances may be needed to help move the jaw or adjust bite alignment. Treating protruding front teeth improves not only the look of your smile but also protects your teeth and supports long-term oral health and proper jaw function.
Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
The timing of baby teeth loss plays an important role in how a child’s permanent teeth develop. Losing baby teeth too early can cause nearby teeth to shift into the empty space, which may lead to crowding or alignment problems. On the other hand, losing baby teeth too late can delay the eruption of adult teeth or cause them to come in crooked. An Edmonton orthodontist can monitor your child’s dental development and identify whether the loss of baby teeth is occurring at the right time. If needed, early orthodontic intervention with Edmonton braces or clear aligners can help guide proper tooth and jaw development.
In some cases, space maintainers or other appliances may be recommended to make sure permanent teeth have room to come in the way you want them to. Addressing timing issues early can prevent more serious complications later and set the foundation for a healthy, well-aligned smile.
Contact Embrace Orthodontics Today
Orthodontic issues like crowding, gaps, bite misalignments, and impacted teeth are more common than many people realize. With the correct care at the right moment, we can fix these issues. This will make your teeth healthier and boost your confidence. No matter if you’re considering see-through aligners or old-fashioned braces in Edmonton, having the guidance of an expert orthodontist can change everything.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile, contact Embrace Orthodontics at (780) 432‑0367 to schedule your consultation. Their team is here to guide you through every stage of treatment with expert care and personalized solutions.