Orthodontic issues like overbites, underbites, and crowded teeth are more than cosmetic concerns. At Center for TMJ & Sleep Apnea in Lee’s Summit, MO, we approach these challenges with a focus on function, comfort, and long-term wellness. Our goal is to help you or your child achieve a properly aligned bite and healthier airway without traditional braces.
Understanding the Most Common Orthodontic Concerns
When teeth and jaws don’t align properly, they can interfere with everything from chewing and speaking to sleep and posture. Below are some of the most common alignment issues we treat at our practice.
Overbites
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. While many people have some degree of overbite, excessive overbites can strain the jaw, restrict the airway, and lead to muscle fatigue.
Causes of overbites often include:
- Genetic jaw structure
- Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
- Underdeveloped lower jaw
In our Lee’s Summit office, we use advanced diagnostics and airway-centric appliances to gently realign the jaws over time. This not only improves aesthetics but can also reduce TMJ-related pain and breathing issues.
Underbites
An underbite happens when the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth. It can make biting and speaking more difficult and may contribute to jaw joint dysfunction.
Causes of underbites include:
- Skeletal discrepancies
- Injury to the jaw
- Abnormal growth patterns
For children, we focus on early orthopedic interventions that guide jaw development. For adults, customized oral appliances can help reduce discomfort and improve overall jaw function. Learn more about our orthodontic solutions and how they may help.
Crowded Teeth
Crowding can occur when the jaw doesn’t have enough room to accommodate all the teeth. This misalignment often makes it harder to keep teeth clean, increasing the risk for cavities and gum disease.
Common causes of crowded teeth include:
- Jaw underdevelopment
- Delayed loss of baby teeth
- Genetics
We address crowding by creating more space using custom growth appliances or arch expanders. While traditional braces may be an option in some instances, we often favor noninvasive, airway-friendly alternatives that support natural jaw development. Our functional approach improves both aesthetics and overall oral health.
Additional Bite and Alignment Challenges
Bite issues can affect everything from facial symmetry to sleep quality. Here are a few more conditions we commonly evaluate and treat.
Crossbites
In a crossbite, some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This misalignment may lead to:
- Uneven jaw growth
- Premature wear on teeth
- Facial asymmetry
We treat crossbites using noninvasive expanders and jaw positioning therapies designed to improve function and prevent long-term complications. Our airway orthodontics address developmental challenges in both children and adults.
Open Bites
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. This can interfere with chewing and cause lisps or other speech issues.
Common contributing factors include:
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Tongue thrust
- Abnormal jaw growth
We focus on correcting the underlying habits and jaw position using habit-correcting appliances, muscle re-education, and guided growth techniques.
Spacing and Gaps
While spacing between teeth is not always harmful, it may indicate underlying skeletal development issues. In some cases, excessive spacing can also cause bite imbalances.
If needed, we apply gentle appliances to guide tooth and jaw positioning for a more functional bite and attractive smile.
Why Orthodontic Problems Affect More Than Your Teeth
Orthodontic misalignment can have a cascading effect on many areas of health, including:
- TMJ function and pain
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Headaches, neck stiffness, and posture issues
- Difficulty chewing and speaking
That’s why we take a functional, whole-body approach when evaluating and treating bite concerns. Learn more about our approach on our TMJ treatment page.
Growth and Development-Focused Treatment
Our orthodontic philosophy goes beyond straightening teeth—we aim to improve total craniofacial balance, airway health, and jaw comfort.
Orthopedic Appliance Therapy
We use custom, removable appliances to gently reshape jaw structure and guide proper growth. These are ideal for children with developmental concerns and adults with long-standing misalignment issues.
Myofunctional Support and Habit Correction
Proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, and oral habits are essential to successful orthodontic care. We offer solutions addressing tongue thrust, mouth breathing, and other habits contributing to bite issues.
Neuromuscular Diagnostics
We use noninvasive jaw tracking and muscle testing to assess how the bite functions in real time. This allows us to personalize treatment based on precise data, increasing long-term success and comfort.
Early Intervention Leads to Better Long-Term Outcomes
When caught early, orthodontic issues can be corrected more easily and comfortably. Children who receive interceptive treatment often avoid more invasive procedures later in life and are less likely to develop TMJ disorders or sleep-disordered breathing.
Some signs parents should watch for:
- Snoring or open-mouth breathing
- Crowded or protruding teeth
- Poor sleep or behavioral issues
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
If you notice these signs in your child, schedule a consultation to explore our pediatric growth and development services.
Get Expert Alignment Care in Lee’s Summit
Whether you’re looking to correct an overbite or help your child avoid airway problems, we offer non-surgical, airway-focused care centered on long-term wellness. We provide orthodontic aligners, traditional braces when appropriate, and holistic treatment plans tailored to your needs.
- Correct your dental alignment and achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!
- Take action toward a healthier smile with teeth realignment. Call us today!
- Comprehensive smile alignment services designed to fit your needs. Contact us to get started!
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re concerned about crooked teeth, jaw pain, or misalignment, Center for TMJ & Sleep Apnea is here to help. Our compassionate team will create a personalized treatment plan to align your smile and support long-term health.
Call us at (816) 795-1000 to schedule your consultation in Lee’s Summit, MO.
