Misaligned teeth and malocclusion are orthodontic concerns that affect the health and function of your teeth, gums, and jaw. Orthodontics provides effective treatment for a range of dental problems that compromise the structure and health of the bite in efforts to support a lasting, healthy oral foundation.
Timonium, MD board-certified orthodontist Dr. Mohammad Izadi provides tailored treatment plans for various orthodontic concerns to patients of all ages. Dr. Izadi emphasizes the importance of early intervention for Phase 1 treatment to help young patients correct bite concerns as they develop. Izadi Orthodontics offers a one-on-one approach to each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses occlusion, bringing balance and harmony to the facial structure for long-term results.
Common Orthodontic Concerns
Correcting orthodontic concerns does more than just improve the aesthetics of a patient’s smile. Realigning bites through comprehensive orthodontic treatment can help children and adults enjoy a more comfortable, stable bite and support long-term oral health.
Crooked Teeth
Treating crooked teeth can help you have a straight smile that you can feel proud of. Having straight teeth can make it easier to chew food, speak clearly, and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Crooked teeth can also be more challenging to clean, which may lead to problems like cavities and gum disease. Plus, fixing crooked teeth now can prevent more significant issues later on. To learn more about our treatments for crooked teeth, see Crooked Teeth.
Teeth Space
A noticeable space between teeth can be a cosmetic and a dental health-related concern. Dr. Izadi can close tooth gaps and improve a smile’s appearance and health.
Orthodontic Relapse
Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth return to their original position after orthodontic treatment. Treating this dental issue will shift your teeth back into proper alignment. Orthodontic relapse may make it hard to eat, talk, and keep teeth and gums clean. Sometimes, it can cause discomfort or pain. Treating the relapse can prevent these problems and keep your smile looking great. To learn more about the treatments we offer for relapse, see Orthodontic Relapse.
Overbite
An overbite is when your top teeth stick out more than your bottom teeth when you bite down. You should treat your overbite because it can cause problems with eating, speaking, and even breathing. It can also lead to jaw pain and tooth damage. To learn more about the treatments we offer for overbites, see Overbite.
Underbite
An underbite is when your bottom teeth stick out farther than your top teeth when you close your mouth. An underbite can lead to difficulties biting and chewing food, speech issues, tooth decay, and jaw pain. Not treating it can also lead to TMJ disorders and changes in facial appearance. To learn more about the treatments we offer for underbites, see Underbite.
Open Bite
An open bite happens when your teeth don’t meet the right way when you bite down. If you have an open bite, you should address it to prevent more issues with your teeth and jaw. People with open bites find eating harder and often have jaw pain. Fixing it with orthodontic treatment will ensure optimal comfort and health. To learn more about the treatments we offer for open bites, see Openbite.
Flared Out Teeth
Also known as protrusion, teeth splayed or flared out can be treated with orthodontics to improve aesthetics and the fit of the bite. Flared-out teeth can often be caused by childhood habits, such as thumb sucking, or may be a genetic condition.
Tongue Tie
Being “tongue-tied” is when the frenulum is too tight. This condition leads to trouble speaking or pronouncing words because the tongue doesn’t move as it should. Often occurring at birth, a child with this condition will have issues with eating and with speech development. Fixing it will improve speech, making communicating and eating properly easier. To learn more about the treatments we offer for tongue ties, see Tongue Tie.
Gummy Smile
A person with a gummy smile shows too much gum tissue when they smile, and the teeth appear smaller. This condition often makes people feel self-conscious about their appearance. Fixing a gummy smile can help boost confidence and make you feel better about your smile. To learn more about the treatments we offer for gummy smiles, see Gummy Smile.
Early Intervention
By age 7, orthodontic concerns begin to become evident. Early orthodontic evaluation and Phase 1 treatment can prevent the need for braces or oral surgery later in life and support optimal speech and jaw development. Phase 1 treatment focuses on the alignment and function of the skeletal system.
Through a comprehensive analysis of the child’s growth trajectory and jaw and tooth alignment, Izadi Orthodontics can design a treatment plan to address early signs of orthodontic concerns. Our goal is to create the most conservative treatment plan possible to achieve alignment and improve the function of the child’s bite.
Orthodontic Concerns FAQs
There are various oral concerns that orthodontics can solve. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How serious is an overbite?
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. While mild overbites are common, severe cases can cause jaw strain, speech issues, and uneven tooth wear. Untreated overbites can even contribute to TMJ problems. Orthodontics can correct the bite, reducing complications and improving function.
What problems can an underbite cause?
An underbite happens when the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth. This misalignment can make chewing difficult and may cause premature tooth wear. It can also affect facial appearance, leading to self-consciousness. Treatment often involves braces, aligners, or, in some cases, surgical correction.
What is a crossbite, and why should it be corrected?
A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. This can affect one tooth, several teeth, or an entire section of the mouth. Left untreated, a crossbite may cause uneven wear, gum recession, and even jaw growth issues. Orthodontic correction ensures proper alignment and prevents long-term damage.
How does an open bite affect dental health?
An open bite is when the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. This can make biting and chewing difficult, especially with foods like sandwiches or apples. It can also affect speech, causing lisping or difficulty with certain sounds. Orthodontics can close the bite and restore normal function.
Can misaligned teeth cause jaw pain?
Yes, misaligned teeth can put extra stress on the jaw joint, leading to pain and discomfort. This is especially true when the bite doesn’t fit together properly. Over time, this strain may contribute to TMJ disorders, headaches, or even tooth fractures. Orthodontic treatment helps balance the bite and reduce jaw-related problems.
How do rotated teeth affect oral health?
Rotated teeth occur when a tooth twists out of its normal alignment. This creates tight spaces that are difficult to brush and floss, leading to plaque buildup and cavities. Rotated teeth can also affect bite function and aesthetics. Orthodontic treatment gently rotates them into their correct positions.
Request a Consultation
Our Timonium orthodontic team provides compassionate, thorough orthodontic services for children, teens, and adults. We welcome new patients from Timonium, Lutherville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Jacksonville, Sparks, and surrounding communities. Click here to request an orthodontic consultation or contact our office at (410) 919-9806.