TOP NOVA ORTHODONTICS
Malocclusion?
What Is Malocclusion and Why Would You Need Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic problems can affect people of all ages. In fact, it’s rare for teeth to naturally align perfectly without some form of intervention. One of the most common issues we treat at Top Nova Orthodontics is malocclusion, more commonly known as a “bad bite.” Which refers to a misalignment of the teeth or jaws. This can affect how your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite, chew, speak, or smile. While a bad bite can be genetic, it may also develop due to:
Thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond infancy
Mouth breathing due to airway obstruction
Poor dental hygiene or tooth loss
Facial trauma or injury
Birth defects or medical conditions
Why Correcting a Bad Bite Matters
A malocclusion isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can seriously impact your oral health and overall well-being. Untreated, a bad bite may lead to:
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Speech challenges
Excessive tooth wear or damage
TMJ (jaw joint) problems
Headaches, neck pain, and jaw discomfort
Poor self-confidence due to facial imbalance or crowding
The Role of Orthodontic Treatment
At Top Nova Orthodontics, Dr. Azita Abbasi uses advanced orthodontic techniques to treat malocclusion in children, teens, and adults. With a focus on dentofacial harmony and function, she offers personalized treatment options that correct the root cause—not just the appearance—of your bite problems.
Common Types of Bad Bites We Treat:
Overbite – upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth
Underbite – lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
Crossbite – some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth
Open bite – front teeth don’t touch when the back teeth are closed
Crowding – not enough space in the jaw for teeth to align properly
Spacing – gaps between teeth due to missing teeth or growth issues
Get the Right Diagnosis. Get the Right Treatment.
Understanding your orthodontic condition is the first step toward a healthier smile. Dr. Abbasi is here to help you correct your bite and improve your dental function and facial balance.
📍 Serving patients in Sterling and Ashburn, VA
📅 Schedule your orthodontic consultation today to discover your personalized treatment options.
What does a bad bite look like?
Spacing
Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may be a side effect of tongue thrusting.
Overbite
The upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Crossbite
The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.
Underbite
In an underbite, the lower jaw extends out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in the front of the upper front teeth.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and sometimes, tooth removal.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward.
Dental Midlines not Matched
This type of problem is caused when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately, which may negatively impact jaw and proper dental function.
Openbite
Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting.
