Orthodontic issues are more than just cosmetic concerns—they can affect everything from your bite to your breathing, your digestion, and even your confidence. Fortunately, today’s orthodontic treatments offer solutions for a wide range of problems, helping patients of all ages achieve better function and improved aesthetics.
If you’re in Atlanta and wondering whether orthodontic treatment is right for you or your child, it helps to understand what the most common issues are—and how local orthodontists approach treating them.
Why Orthodontic Problems Happen
Orthodontic issues can stem from a variety of causes, including:
- Genetics
- Prolonged childhood habits (like thumb sucking or mouth breathing)
- Premature loss of baby teeth
- Trauma or injury
- Inconsistent use of retainers after prior treatment
Whether mild or severe, these issues tend to worsen over time if left untreated. Early intervention—or even adult treatment later in life—can prevent complications and enhance overall oral health.
1. Crowding
What it is:
Crowding occurs when there’s not enough space in the jaw for teeth to align properly. This causes teeth to overlap, twist, or become trapped behind others.
Why it matters:
- Makes brushing and flossing more difficult
- Increases risk of decay and gum disease
- Can lead to uneven tooth wear or jaw stress
How it’s treated in Atlanta:
Orthodontists typically use braces or Invisalign to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. In some cases, expansion appliances or selective extractions may be recommended to create space, especially in growing children.
2. Spacing and Gaps
What it is:
The opposite of crowding, spacing refers to visible gaps between teeth. This can be due to a mismatch between jaw size and tooth size, missing teeth, or habits like tongue thrusting.
Why it matters:
- Food and bacteria can collect in gaps
- May affect speech or chewing
- Can lead to bite imbalance
How it’s treated in Atlanta:
Invisalign is often a preferred treatment for minor spacing issues, while braces can be used for more complex spacing patterns. Some orthodontists may coordinate with general or cosmetic dentists to restore missing teeth if needed.
3. Overbite (Deep Bite)
What it is:
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth vertically.
Why it matters:
- May cause jaw pain or discomfort
- Can wear down lower teeth
- May lead to speech difficulties or bite trauma
How it’s treated in Atlanta:
Treatment may include braces, clear aligners, or bite-correcting appliances like elastics or bite turbos. For adults, Invisalign with precision bite ramps may be effective in mild to moderate cases.
4. Underbite
What it is:
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends forward, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.
Why it matters:
- Can impact facial aesthetics
- May interfere with chewing and speaking
- Often leads to jaw joint stress
How it’s treated in Atlanta:
Mild underbites may be corrected with braces or Invisalign and elastics. More severe cases, especially in adults, may require a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery (orthognathic treatment). For children, early orthopedic appliances can help guide jaw development.
5. Crossbite
What it is:
A crossbite happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down—either in the front, back, or both.
Why it matters:
- Can lead to uneven tooth wear
- May cause shifting of the jaw
- Increases risk of gum recession or enamel damage
How it’s treated in Atlanta:
Crossbites are often corrected with braces or clear aligners combined with palatal expanders or elastics, depending on the patient’s age and the location of the bite issue.
6. Open Bite
What it is:
In an open bite, the upper and lower front teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap between them.
Why it matters:
- Makes biting into food difficult
- Can interfere with speech
- Often associated with tongue thrusting or thumb sucking
How it’s treated in Atlanta:
Open bite treatment may involve braces or Invisalign with attachments and elastics. In children, behavior modification (e.g. stopping thumb sucking) combined with interceptive appliances can help correct the bite early.
7. Midline Misalignment
What it is:
The dental midline is the line between the upper and lower front teeth. When these lines don’t match up, it can indicate jaw asymmetry or tooth alignment issues.
Why it matters:
- May affect facial symmetry
- Can be a sign of more complex bite issues
- May lead to TMJ discomfort or shifting teeth
How it’s treated in Atlanta:
Orthodontists use braces or aligners with rubber bands or coil springs to move the teeth and adjust the midline. More significant midline shifts may require coordinated treatment with restorative or surgical specialists.
Orthodontic Care in Atlanta: Tailored to Each Patient
Atlanta is home to a diverse population—and that means a wide range of orthodontic needs. From children in early intervention programs to adults seeking aesthetic corrections, providers in Atlanta offer modern, personalized solutions for every stage of life.
Thanks to advanced tools like 3D scanning, digital imaging, and treatment planning software, orthodontists can now diagnose and correct issues with greater precision and fewer visits. Whether you live in Midtown, Buckhead, Marietta, or any of the surrounding areas, high-quality care is more accessible than ever.
Don’t Wait—The Right Time to Start Is Now
If you or your child are experiencing any of these common orthodontic issues, early evaluation is the best step forward. At Wright Orthodontics, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for patients throughout Atlanta and Marietta. Schedule your free consultation today and take the right step toward a healthy, confident smile.