Common Orthodontic Problems We Treat in Everett
Most orthodontic problems fall into a handful of categories: crowded teeth, gaps, and bite issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Lauren Lewandowski treats all of them at Advanced Orthodontics Everett, for children, teens, and adults across Everett and Mill Creek.
Crooked teeth and bite problems are about more than looks. Left untreated, they can make teeth harder to clean, wear down enamel, strain the jaw, and affect how you eat and speak. The good news is that nearly every one of these issues is treatable, most often with braces or Invisalign, and catching them early can make treatment simpler. A small number of severe, skeletal cases may benefit from coordinated surgical orthodontics. Here are the most common problems we see.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
Protruding upper front teeth, sometimes called buck teeth, stick out beyond the lower teeth. Besides affecting the look of a smile, they are more prone to injury and can make it hard to close the lips comfortably. Orthodontic treatment guides them back into a safer, more natural position.
Overbite
An overbite means the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower ones. A deep overbite can wear down the lower teeth and contribute to jaw discomfort over time. Braces or clear aligners can reduce the overlap and balance the bite.
Crossbite
A crossbite happens when one or more upper teeth close inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. Left untreated, it can cause uneven wear, gum problems, and lopsided jaw growth in children. Early correction often produces the best and most stable result.
Openbite
With an open bite, the upper and lower front teeth do not touch even when the back teeth are closed. This can make biting and speaking difficult and is often linked to habits or jaw development. Dr. Lewandowski has even contributed to published research on treating open bite in adults.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when there is not enough room in the jaw for all the teeth, so they overlap, twist, or push out of line. Crowded teeth trap food and plaque, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease. Treatment creates room and brings the teeth into healthy alignment.
Spacing
Spacing is the opposite of crowding: noticeable gaps between the teeth, often most visible in front. Gaps can come from missing teeth, a mismatch between tooth and jaw size, or habits like tongue thrusting. Closing them improves both the look of the smile and the health of the gums.
Underbite
An underbite means the lower teeth sit ahead of the upper teeth. It can make chewing and speaking harder and, in growing children, signals a jaw imbalance worth checking early. Depending on severity, treatment ranges from braces to, in significant skeletal cases, coordinated surgical care.