When people think of orthodontics, they often think of straightening teeth — but that’s only part of the story. Orthodontic treatment also plays a critical role in correcting bite problems, also known as malocclusions. These issues go beyond appearance — they can affect how you eat, speak, and maintain your oral health.
At Peach Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages in Hayden, Post Falls, and surrounding communities who are dealing with various types of bite misalignment. Whether mild or complex, identifying and treating bite problems early can help prevent long-term complications.
Here’s what you need to know about the most common bite issues and how orthodontics can help correct them.
What Is a Malocclusion?
A malocclusion is any misalignment between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed. In a healthy bite, the upper teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth, and the molars line up properly. When the teeth or jaws are not aligned this way, it can lead to uneven wear, jaw pain, speech issues, and difficulties with chewing.
Malocclusions may be caused by genetics, habits like thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or early loss of baby teeth. Fortunately, modern orthodontics offers several effective solutions — including braces and Invisalign — to correct bite alignment and support long-term dental health.
Overbite — When Upper Teeth Overlap Too Much
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. A small overbite is normal, but when it becomes too deep, it can cause problems.
Patients with deep overbites may notice that their lower teeth touch the roof of their mouth, or that their upper teeth cover too much of their bottom teeth when biting down. This can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw strain, and even damage to the gums or palate.
Orthodontic treatment for overbites may involve braces, clear aligners, or elastics that help reposition the jaws and teeth. In more complex cases, appliances or jaw surgery may be recommended — though this is rare.
Underbite — When Lower Teeth Extend Beyond the Upper Teeth
An underbite is when the lower jaw protrudes forward, causing the bottom teeth to sit in front of the top teeth. This can give the appearance of a “bulldog” jaw and is often caused by jaw size discrepancies or inherited traits.
Underbites can interfere with speech, chewing efficiency, and overall bite function. Left untreated, an underbite can also lead to jaw joint issues and abnormal tooth wear.
Early intervention is especially effective for children with underbites, but teens and adults can benefit from treatment too. Braces, clear aligners, and in some cases, corrective jaw surgery, may be used to realign the bite and improve facial symmetry.
Crossbite — When Upper and Lower Teeth Don’t Line Up Properly
A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. This can happen with front teeth (anterior crossbite), back teeth (posterior crossbite), or both.
Crossbites are often caused by jaw misalignment, delayed tooth eruption, or crowding. Without treatment, they can contribute to gum recession, enamel wear, and even facial asymmetry.
Orthodontic treatment for crossbites may involve palatal expanders, braces, or Invisalign to widen the jaw and guide the teeth into their proper positions. The earlier a crossbite is treated, the easier it is to correct.
Open Bite — When Teeth Don’t Touch at All
An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the front teeth don’t make contact when the back teeth are closed. This creates a visible gap between the upper and lower front teeth.
Open bites can make it difficult to bite into foods like sandwiches or apples, and can also affect speech. The most common causes include thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and abnormal jaw growth.
Treating an open bite typically involves orthodontic appliances or braces to close the space between the front teeth. In growing children, behavior modification (such as stopping thumb sucking) can help support treatment success.
Crowding — When Teeth Overlap or Compete for Space
While not a bite issue in the traditional sense, crowding is closely related to bite alignment. When there isn’t enough room in the jaw, teeth can twist, overlap, or erupt out of position.
Crowded teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. They can also contribute to bite imbalance by preventing the upper and lower jaws from meeting properly.
Orthodontic treatment for crowding may include expanders, braces, or aligners to make room and reposition the teeth. In some cases, tooth extraction may be needed to create adequate space — though this is less common thanks to modern treatment techniques.
Spacing Issues — Gaps Between Teeth
Like crowding, spacing is a common orthodontic issue that can affect bite function. Gaps between teeth may occur naturally or due to missing teeth, small tooth size, or habits like tongue thrusting.
While some spacing is purely cosmetic, larger gaps can affect how the bite works and may lead to drifting or misalignment over time. Treatment may include braces, Invisalign, or bonding to close gaps and ensure a more functional bite.
Why Treat Bite Problems?
Correcting bite issues isn’t just about aesthetics — though improving your smile’s appearance is certainly a benefit. Bite problems can cause real, long-term challenges for your oral and overall health, including:
- Uneven wear on teeth
- TMJ pain or jaw strain
- Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
- Increased risk of cavities and gum disease
- Damage to gums or supporting bone structure
The good news? Most bite problems can be effectively treated with orthodontics — often more easily and comfortably than patients expect.
Why Choose Peach Orthodontics?
At Peach Orthodontics, we take a personalized approach to treating bite problems. Dr. Brent Rickheim and Dr. Brendan Smith bring years of experience and advanced technology to every case, whether it’s a simple overbite or a more complex crossbite.
Our team proudly serves families across Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum, and surrounding areas, offering:
- Free consultations and personalized treatment plans
- Options for braces or Invisalign based on your bite needs
- Clear explanations and ongoing support throughout treatment
- A comfortable, welcoming environment for all ages
We make it easy to understand your bite problem — and even easier to treat it.
Ready to Fix Your Bite?
If you or your child is dealing with a bite issue, the sooner you seek treatment, the better. Bite problems don’t fix themselves — but with expert care, they can be corrected efficiently and comfortably.
Book your free consultation with Peach Orthodontics in Hayden today. We’ll evaluate your bite, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward a healthy, confident smile that lasts.