Alignment & Bite Correction

Orthodontic issues that may benefit from early bite and alignment correction include:

• Crossbites (upper teeth fit inside lower teeth)
• Underbites or overbites
• Open bites (teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed)
• Severe crowding or spacing
• Jaw growth discrepancies
• Protruding front teeth
• Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits affecting bite

An early orthodontic evaluation — typically around age 7 — helps determine if your child would benefit from treatment. Visit our Early Alignment Checkups page to understand when to start.

We use a combination of custom appliances, braces, and habit correction tools to improve dental alignment and jaw development in children.

Limited (Partial) Braces

Used to treat a small number of teeth, limited braces target early crowding, misalignment, or spacing. This short-term, focused treatment helps:

• Align front teeth for aesthetic and functional improvement
• Reduce risk of trauma to protruding teeth
• Minimize the extent of future orthodontic treatment

Crossbite Correction Appliances

These appliances correct lateral or anterior crossbites, which, if left untreated, can lead to uneven jaw growth and abnormal tooth wear.

• Often used in combination with palatal expanders
• Helps normalize bite function and facial development
• Prevents long-term complications

Learn more about how these devices support jaw and bite correction as part of our broader Space & Growth Management strategy.

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances guide the growth of the upper and lower jaws, helping improve skeletal relationships and bite alignment.

• Often used to address underdeveloped or overgrown jaws
• Can help reduce the need for surgery in the future
• Encourages proper jaw positioning during growth

Habit Appliances

Oral habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting can distort natural bite development. Habit appliances help eliminate these behaviors before they cause long-term orthodontic problems.

• Breaks habits that interfere with jaw development
• Often used in conjunction with removable plates
• Encourages natural alignment of erupting teeth

Removable Orthodontic Plates

These custom devices provide flexible correction for minor tooth movements or to maintain progress between treatments.

• Removable for easier cleaning and comfort
• Useful for early alignment adjustments
• Can be paired with other appliances during the observation phase

Correcting alignment and bite problems early can dramatically reduce the severity of future orthodontic needs. Benefits include:

• Reduced need for extractions or surgery
• Shorter and more efficient Phase II treatment
• Improved facial symmetry and jaw development
• Protection of teeth from uneven wear or trauma
• Enhanced confidence and oral function during childhood

Explore how this phase fits into the full journey by visiting our Phase II Orthodontics page for older children and teens.