Parents notice something looks off long before they know what it is called. This page explains the bite and alignment problems we see most often in Simi Valley kids, what causes them, and which treatments typically address each one.
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Spacing and Alignment Problems
Crowding
There is not enough room in the jaw for all the teeth, so they overlap, twist, or get pushed out of line. Crowding is the most common reason families come in. Beyond appearance, crowded teeth are harder to brush and floss well, which raises the risk of cavities and gum problems.
Often treated with: Braces Invisalign Palatal expanders Early treatment
Spacing and Gaps
Extra space shows up between teeth, most noticeably between the two upper front teeth. It can come from teeth that are small relative to the jaw, from missing teeth, or from a prominent frenum, the tissue attachment above the front teeth.
Often treated with: Braces Invisalign
Rotated or Tipped Teeth
A tooth turned or leaning out of position. Common when a tooth erupted into a tight space and had to twist to fit.
Often treated with: Braces Invisalign
Bite Problems
Overbite
The upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much when the back teeth are closed. Some overlap is normal. A deep overbite can wear the lower teeth and, in significant cases, cause the lower teeth to contact the palate.
Often treated with: Braces Early treatment
Overjet
The upper front teeth stick out horizontally ahead of the lower teeth, sometimes called buck teeth. Often related to jaw proportion or habits like prolonged thumb sucking. Protruding front teeth are at meaningfully higher risk of injury, which is why this is one of the problems we consider treating early.
Often treated with: Early treatment Braces
Underbite
The lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. Usually a jaw growth pattern rather than a tooth position problem, which is why catching it while a child is growing matters so much.
Often treated with: Early treatment Braces
Crossbite
One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside. A posterior crossbite often means the upper jaw is too narrow, and it can cause the lower jaw to shift sideways to close, affecting how the face grows.
Often treated with: Palatal expanders Early treatment
Open Bite
The front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed, leaving a visible gap. Frequently associated with thumb sucking, tongue thrust, or mouth breathing, so treatment often addresses the habit alongside the teeth.
Often treated with: Early treatment Braces Airway-focused orthodontics
Deep Bite
A pronounced form of overbite where the upper front teeth cover most or all of the lower ones. Can cause noticeable wear over time.
Often treated with: Braces
Eruption and Development Problems
Impacted Canine
A permanent canine that is blocked and cannot come in on its own. Canines are the second most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth. Caught early, creating space may be enough. Caught late, it can require a minor surgical procedure to expose the tooth and guide it into place, which is a strong argument for an evaluation by age seven.
Often treated with: Early treatment Braces
Ectopic Eruption
A tooth coming in along the wrong path, sometimes pressing on the roots of neighboring teeth. Often invisible without an X-ray, which is part of what an early evaluation checks for.
Often treated with: Early treatment
Missing Teeth
Some children never develop certain permanent teeth, most often upper lateral incisors or second premolars. Planning involves deciding whether to close the space orthodontically or hold it open for future replacement.
Often treated with: Braces Early treatment
Protruding Teeth
Front teeth angled forward, whether from jaw proportion or habits. Beyond appearance, the injury risk is the clinical concern.
Often treated with: Early treatment Braces
Jaw and Structural Problems
Narrow Upper Jaw
A constricted upper arch, often showing up as a high, deep palate, a pinched-looking smile, crossbite, or crowding. Because the palate has a growth seam that fuses with age, widening is far easier during childhood.
Often treated with: Palatal expanders Airway-focused orthodontics
Midline Differences
The center line between the upper front teeth does not match the lower, or does not match the center of the face. Sometimes purely cosmetic, sometimes a sign the jaw is shifting to close or that teeth have drifted.
Often treated with: Braces Invisalign
Functional Shift
The lower jaw slides to one side so the teeth can meet comfortably. Frequently a companion to a narrow upper jaw and worth addressing during growth, since a persistent shift can influence facial development.
Often treated with: Palatal expanders Early treatment
When to Have Your Child Evaluated
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age seven. That does not mean treatment at seven. It means a specialist looks at how the bite and jaws are developing while there is still growth to work with. If you have noticed anything on this page, or your child’s dentist has mentioned a concern, an evaluation is the way to find out whether it needs attention now or simply monitoring. Our evaluations are complimentary.
Diagnosis by an SCO Board Certified Orthodontist
Every treatment plan at Kids Dental Pals & Orthodontics is evaluated and supervised by Dr. Ronnel “Ronnie” Azizollahi. Dr. Ronnie is an SCO Board Certified Orthodontist and a double graduate of UC San Francisco, where she completed both dental school and her orthodontic residency. She plans, monitors, and adjusts your child’s care from the first visit through the final result. Read Dr. Ronnie’s full biography.
Related Orthodontic Care
Learn more about how this fits into your child’s care:
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