Common Orthodontic Issues - Wade Orthodontics

Common Orthodontic Issues in Columbus, OH

Many people seek orthodontic care because they want straighter teeth and a more confident smile. However, orthodontic treatment can also improve oral health, bite function, and long-term comfort. At Wade Orthodontics, Dr. Andrew B. Wade, DDS, MS, helps patients throughout Columbus, Upper Arlington, Dublin, Hilliard, Grandview, Galloway, and surrounding Central Ohio communities address a wide range of common orthodontic issues using personalized treatment plans designed around each patient’s unique needs. Our approach is built on caring for a person, not simply moving teeth.

Orthodontic problems can affect the way your teeth fit together, how you chew and speak, and even the appearance of your facial structure. Early intervention often makes treatment simpler, but effective options are available for children, teens, and adults alike.

What Are Common Orthodontic Problems?

Dr. Wade diagnoses and treats various types of malocclusion, which is the term for a “bad bite.” These conditions can develop due to genetics, differences in tooth size, jaw growth patterns, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, premature tooth loss, or other factors. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, orthodontic problems are among the most common dental concerns affecting patients of all ages. Many common orthodontic problems can contribute to:

Difficulty chewing and speech problems
Jaw pain and excessive tooth wear
Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
Challenges with oral hygiene
Discomfort in the jaw and facial muscles

The good news is that modern orthodontic treatment offers a variety of options including traditional braces, LightForce brackets, and clear aligners to address concerns at every level of complexity.

Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment

Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment, sometimes called interceptive orthodontics, focuses on addressing specific developmental concerns while a child is still growing. The goal is to create a healthier environment for future dental development and support proper jaw growth. Treatment may be recommended when orthodontic concerns have the potential to become more difficult to correct later.

Depending on your child’s needs, Phase 1 treatment may:

Guide jaw growth and development
Improve bite alignment
Create space for incoming permanent teeth
Reduce severe crowding
Address oral habits affecting development
Support the healthy eruption of adult teeth
Improve overall function and comfort

Not every child requires Phase 1 treatment. Dr. Wade carefully evaluates each patient’s growth patterns and individual needs before making recommendations. Early treatment can often simplify future care and provide opportunities to guide development while the jaw is still growing.

Treatment Options for Growing Smiles

Every child has unique orthodontic needs. Dr. Wade develops personalized treatment plans based on your child’s age, growth stage, and specific concerns. Treatment options may include:

Observation and growth monitoring — many children benefit from periodic check-ins without immediate treatment
Palatal expanders — used to widen the upper jaw and create space for incoming permanent teeth
Space maintainers — help preserve spacing after early loss of a baby tooth
Partial braces or limited early treatment — address specific concerns before comprehensive treatment begins
Invisalign Teen — a clear aligner option for teens who are candidates for removable treatment
LightForce brackets — a fully customized 3D-printed bracket system for patients who want the most personalized bracket option available
Comprehensive treatment — full braces or clear aligners at the appropriate stage of development

As your child’s smile develops, we continue evaluating progress and adjusting recommendations accordingly. Our goal is always to provide the most appropriate care at the right time.

Treatment Options for Common Orthodontic Issues

Every orthodontic problem requires an individualized approach. Dr. Wade develops treatment plans based on each patient’s goals, oral health, age, and specific diagnosis. Treatment options may include:

Traditional metal braces — highly effective for a wide range of alignment concerns including complex cases
LightForce brackets — a fully customized 3D-printed bracket system offering one of the most personalized treatment approaches available
Clear aligners and Invisalign — removable trays for gradual tooth movement, popular for mild to moderate alignment concerns
Early intervention treatment — interceptive care designed to guide jaw growth and dental development in younger patients
Space management techniques — space maintainers, palatal expanders, and other appliances to support proper tooth eruption
Specialized orthodontic appliances — Forsus, Herbst, and other functional appliances for complex bite correction

The best treatment depends on the type of malocclusion, the severity of the concern, and each patient’s overall treatment goals.

Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth more than normal. In severe cases, the lower teeth may contact the roof of the mouth behind the upper teeth. A deep bite can contribute to excessive wear on tooth enamel, jaw discomfort, difficulty chewing, and an increased risk of dental problems. Treatment plans often involve traditional braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances designed to improve the relationship between the upper jaw and lower jaw.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends forward, causing the bottom teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth. This type of malocclusion may affect facial structure, bite function, speech, and chewing efficiency. Some underbites are mild while severe cases may require more comprehensive orthodontic care. Treatment options vary based on age, jaw development, and the severity of the condition.

Crossbite

A crossbite develops when some upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. There are two primary types. An anterior crossbite affects the front teeth and can influence tooth wear and appearance. A posterior crossbite affects the back teeth and may contribute to uneven jaw function over time. Crossbites can affect both oral health and facial symmetry. Early intervention is often recommended because correcting the problem during growth may help guide proper upper jaw development.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap between the front or back teeth. Common causes include thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and certain jaw growth patterns. Patients with an open bite may experience difficulty chewing, speech problems, and uneven tooth wear. Orthodontic treatment can help create proper tooth contact and improve bite function.

Crowding

Crowding is one of the most common orthodontic concerns. It occurs when there is insufficient space in the dental arches, preventing teeth from erupting into proper positions. Crowded teeth can create challenges with oral hygiene, flossing and brushing, and prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases, crowding can contribute to an impacted tooth that cannot erupt properly. Treatment options may include traditional metal braces, LightForce brackets, or clear aligners designed to gradually move teeth into healthier alignment.

Spacing Concerns

Spacing issues occur when there are gaps between teeth. Excessive spacing may develop because of tooth size differences, a missing tooth, tooth loss, or natural jaw spacing. While some gaps are primarily cosmetic concerns, spacing can also affect bite function, oral hygiene, and long-term tooth stability. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve orthodontic care, dental bonding, or a combination of approaches.

Other Types of Malocclusion

In addition to the most common orthodontic issues, patients may also experience midline misalignment where the center of the upper teeth does not align with the center of the lower teeth, impacted teeth that become trapped beneath the gums and cannot erupt properly, jaw alignment concerns that affect facial structure and bite function, and TMJ-related symptoms. While orthodontic treatment is not always the solution for TMJ disorders, correcting bite issues may help improve overall function in certain cases.

Many patients initially seek treatment because of cosmetic concerns, but orthodontic care also supports long-term health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Correcting bite issues may also improve chewing efficiency and help prevent unnecessary stress on the teeth and jaws. As a third-generation orthodontist, Dr. Wade combines experience, advanced technology, and individualized care to help patients throughout Columbus, Upper Arlington, Dublin, Hilliard, Grandview, Galloway, and surrounding Central Ohio communities achieve healthy, lasting results.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation in Columbus, OH

If you are experiencing crowding, spacing, bite problems, jaw discomfort, or any other orthodontic concern, Wade Orthodontics can help. Dr. Wade will evaluate your smile, explain your treatment options, and create a personalized plan designed around your goals.

Call or request an appointment at wadeorthodontics.com/contact-us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn how orthodontic treatment can help you achieve a healthier bite and a more confident smile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Common Orthodontic Issues

What is the most common orthodontic problem?

Crowding is one of the most frequently treated orthodontic concerns. Many patients do not have enough room in their dental arches for all teeth to align properly, which can affect oral hygiene, tooth eruption, and long-term dental health. Dr. Wade evaluates each patient’s spacing and alignment concerns individually to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Can orthodontic treatment improve jaw pain?

In some cases, yes. Correcting bite issues and improving alignment may help reduce jaw discomfort by distributing chewing forces more evenly and reducing stress on the temporomandibular joint. Dr. Wade can evaluate your concerns during a complimentary consultation and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific symptoms and bite relationship.

Are clear aligners effective for common orthodontic issues?

Clear aligners can successfully treat many orthodontic problems including crowding, spacing concerns, and certain bite issues. More complex cases involving significant bite correction or jaw discrepancies may benefit from traditional braces or LightForce brackets instead. Dr. Wade will help determine which option is best suited to your alignment needs and lifestyle during your consultation at Wade Orthodontics.

Is it too late to correct orthodontic problems as an adult?

No. Orthodontic treatment can be effective for patients of all ages, and many adults choose treatment to improve oral health, function, and appearance. Whether you are addressing concerns that were never corrected earlier in life or managing changes that have developed over time, Wade Orthodontics offers personalized treatment options designed to fit adult lifestyles and goals.

How much does treatment for common orthodontic issues cost in Columbus, Ohio?

The cost depends on your specific diagnosis, treatment plan, and the type of orthodontic treatment recommended. Initial consultations at Wade Orthodontics are complimentary, so there is no cost to find out what treatment may involve. During your visit, Dr. Wade will provide a personalized estimate and our team will review insurance benefits, payment plans, and financing options so you can make a fully informed decision.

What is the difference between an overbite and an underbite?

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth more than normal, while an underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends forward and the bottom teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. Both are types of malocclusion that can affect bite function, facial structure, and oral health. Dr. Wade evaluates both conditions during a comprehensive orthodontic examination and develops a personalized treatment plan based on the severity and individual needs of each patient.

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