From a small gap between your front teeth to a bite that never quite feels right, orthodontic problems come in many shapes, and almost all of them are treatable. Below, we break down the orthodontic conditions we see most often at Star Orthodontics, why they happen, and how our team in Corpus Christi helps patients of every age get a healthier, more confident smile.
Most orthodontic problems, also known as malocclusions, come down to a mismatch between the size of your jaw and the size of your teeth, or the way your upper and lower jaw grow in relation to each other. Genetics play a big role; if a parent had an overbite or crowded teeth, it’s common for children to inherit a similar pattern. Childhood habits like thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use, early or late loss of baby teeth, mouth breathing, and injuries can also shape how the bite and jaw develop. The good news: whether a problem is inherited or developed over time, it can be identified early and corrected at almost any age.
Not sure if what you’re seeing (or feeling) is worth a conversation with an orthodontist? These are the most common signs our patients notice first:
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re far from alone, and a quick consultation is the easiest way to get a clear answer.
Here’s a closer look at the conditions we diagnose and treat most frequently, from the mildest cosmetic concerns to bite issues that affect long-term oral health.
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower front teeth. A small amount of overlap is completely normal, but an excessive overbite can lead to a “gummy” smile, uneven wear on the lower teeth, and jaw discomfort over time. Overbites are typically corrected with braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, or in more significant cases, guided jaw growth for younger patients.
An underbite is the opposite problem: the lower jaw extends further than the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth when biting down. Underbites can affect chewing, speech, and facial profile, and tend to be easiest to manage when caught early in childhood, though adult treatment options, including braces paired with other appliances, are very effective too.
A crossbite happens when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside them, either on the sides or in the front. Left untreated, a crossbite can wear down enamel unevenly and, in some cases, cause the jaw to shift to one side. Expanders, braces, or Invisalign can gently and predictably correct a crossbite.
With an open bite, the upper and lower front teeth don't touch at all when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap. Open bites are often linked to thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting habits, or the natural shape of the jaw. Correcting an open bite improves chewing efficiency and can also resolve certain speech patterns.
Crowding is one of the most common reasons patients come to see us. It happens when there simply isn't enough room in the jaw for every tooth to fit, causing teeth to overlap, twist, or rotate. Beyond the cosmetic impact, crowded teeth are harder to clean thoroughly, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease over time. Treatment may involve braces, aligners, or occasionally a small amount of expansion to create space.
The opposite of crowding, spacing occurs when there's extra room in the jaw relative to tooth size, or when a tooth is missing, resulting in visible gaps. Many patients close gaps simply for a more even smile, while others notice food catching in the space or a slight lisp. Braces and Invisalign both close spacing predictably.
Your midline is the invisible line between your two front teeth, top and bottom. When the upper and lower midlines don't line up, it's usually a sign of an underlying bite or jaw discrepancy rather than a cosmetic-only issue, and correcting the midline is often part of a broader treatment plan.
An impacted tooth has not erupted through the gum the way it should, often because there isn't enough space or the angle of eruption is off; canines are especially prone to this. Left alone, an impacted tooth can affect the position of neighboring teeth. Depending on the case, treatment may involve creating space with braces or partnering with an oral surgeon to help the tooth erupt properly.
Orthodontic problems are rarely just cosmetic. Left uncorrected, they can lead to uneven enamel wear, a higher risk of cavities and gum disease in hard-to-clean areas, chewing inefficiency, and in some cases jaw discomfort or speech difficulty. The earlier a problem is identified, ideally with an evaluation by age 7, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists, the more treatment options are typically available. That said, it’s genuinely never too late. We regularly treat adults in their 30s, 50s, and beyond who are finally ready to address something they’ve lived with for years.
Every treatment plan starts with a thorough, unhurried evaluation. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll review your bite, take digital images with our iTero scanner, and talk through your goals, whether that’s comfort, function, or the smile you see in the mirror. Dr. Robertson has been diagnosing and treating orthodontic conditions since 1996 and has personally cared for more than 30,000 patients, so however unusual your case may feel to you, chances are we’ve seen it before and know exactly how to help.
Our most versatile, time-tested option for nearly any bite or spacing issue.
The same reliable results with a more discreet, tooth-colored appearance.
A clear, removable option for teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite concerns.
For more complex jaw discrepancies that need a coordinated surgical and orthodontic approach.
Protecting your results once treatment is complete.
Whatever orthodontic problem brought you here, you don’t have to figure out the next step alone. Star Orthodontics has helped families across Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend correct overbites, crowding, gaps, and everything in between for nearly three decades. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and let’s find the right path to your healthiest, most confident smile.
Not at all. While early evaluation makes some treatments simpler, braces and Invisalign both work effectively on fully grown adult jaws. Many of our adult patients are surprised by how straightforward treatment turns out to be.
Often, yes. Jaw size and tooth size are largely inherited, so if a parent had crowded or crooked teeth, their children are more likely to have the same pattern, though environment and habits also play a role.
No. Because a crossbite involves how the jaw and teeth meet, it won’t self-correct and can worsen with time, sometimes leading to uneven jaw growth. Early evaluation gives you the most treatment flexibility.
The only way to know for sure is a professional evaluation. What feels normal to you may still benefit from treatment, and what looks dramatic often corrects more easily than expected. A complimentary consultation with our team will give you a clear, judgment-free answer.