Common Orthodontic Problems

Understand the Orthodontic Issues Facing You or Your Child

A variety of orthodontic problems can challenge children, teens, and adults. From crowded teeth and spacing issues to underbites and overbites, the doctors at Montini Orthodontics are here to assist patients in Ocala, Gainesville, and throughout North Central Florida.

Call us today to schedule your first visit.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion literally means “bad bite” and is the number one reason people see an orthodontist.  There are many different forms of “bad bites” which can lead to a variety of complications.

There are many causes of malocclusion.  Genetics are one of the leading factors. A child may be born with a disproportionate jaw.  There are also environmental factors, such as thumb sucking beyond the age of 4.

Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth, the opposite of spacing, is caused where there just isn’t enough space in the mouth for all those teeth.

Crowding just gets worse over time as one tooth pushes over the other leading to overlapping teeth.  Crowded teeth are harder to clean than straight teeth which will lead to cavities and tooth decay. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion so as to avoid tooth removal.

Underbite

In an underbite, the lower jaw is longer than the upper which causes the lower teeth to protrude in front of the upper teeth.

It is best to diagnose the problem early.

Overbite

An overbite, or deep bite is when the front teeth cover the lower teeth too much.

An excessive overbite leads to wearing down of the teeth and even may cause the bottom teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.

Spacing

The malocclusion known as spacing is too much room between the teeth.  Spacing can occur if teeth are missing, small, or if the dental arch is wide.  The most common complaint from patients with excessive spacing is cosmetic.

Crossbite

A crossbite is when the back upper teeth fit into the inside of the lower back teeth.

A crossbite causes tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.

Protruded Teeth

When the upper front teeth stick out too far forward, or the lower teeth don’t extend enough, this is called protrusion. The abnormal contact between the upper and lower front teeth could cause injury to the lower teeth.  It also causes poor bites and may even be from uneven jaw growth.  This problem can be caused by thumb and finger sucking.

Midlines Off

In a perfectly aligned face, there should be a straight line from the bridge of the nose to the bottom teeth. All should be lined up.  If they are not lined up and the bottom teeth are actually misaligned from the top teeth, then your midlines are off.

When your midlines are off your teeth could be drifted or your lower jaw could be shifted, which would result in an improper bite.

Open Bite

The common result of thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, an open bite, is when you can actually stick your tongue between your teeth while biting down.

An open bite is a cosmetic problem, but it can also cause chewing problems.

"I highly recommend anyone needing orthodontics - young or old- to check out Dr. Montini. He is professional, friendly, and all about his patients having a good experience. Their facility is beautiful and very kid & adult-friendly!"

— Deb H.

"We could not be more pleased with the work that was done by Dr. Montini on my daughter's teeth. I HIGHLY recommend anyone looking for an orthodontist to look no further than Dr. Montini. He and his staff are wonderful."

— Ardis B.

"Dr. Montini and his staff are simply the best! Look no further if you are searching for a wonderful orthodontist. I couldn't be happier with how my kids are treated and how great the results have been."

— Angela B.

"Absolutely amazing, professional, and fast service. I love how passionate everyone is about helping out the people they see."

— Bobby T.

"Dr. Reid Montini has built a practice that actually makes orthodontist visits 'fun'. From superhero drawings and a video game room, your kids will actually enjoy a doctor's visit. All fun aside, Dr. Montini has true passion in making your entire family's smiles picture perfect. It is a change that will last a lifetime."

— John M.

"Dr. Montini is a warm, personable, highly trained and skilled orthodontist. I have seen truly phenomenal changes he has made in restoring proper bite in even the most difficult of cases. He not only restores the smile nature intended, but improves eating (chewing) and thus digestion, nutritional uptake, and overall health. Dr. Montini is great with kids, too!"

— Amy G.