​Jaw Alignment & Growth Problems in Kids & Teens in Los Angeles

What Is Jaw Alignment?

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Jaw alignment refers to how the upper and lower jaws fit together when your child bites or closes their mouth.

When the jaws are properly aligned:
 

• Teeth come together evenly

• Chewing feels comfortable

• Speech develops properly

• Jaw joints function correctly

• Facial growth develops more symmetrically
   

When jaw alignment problems develop, children may experience bite issues, uneven tooth wear, crowding, or difficulty chewing comfortably.
 

These issues are commonly called malocclusions.

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Common Jaw Alignment Problems in Children

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Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much.

Mild overbites are common, but severe overbites may lead to:
 

• Jaw discomfort

• Tooth wear

• Speech concerns

• Bite imbalance
   

Underbite

An underbite happens when the lower jaw extends forward beyond the upper jaw.

This can affect:
 

• Facial growth

• Chewing ability

• Jaw development

• Confidence and appearance
   

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth instead of outside them.

Crossbites can cause:

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• Uneven jaw growth

• Tooth wear

• Shifting of the jaw

• Difficulty chewing properly
   

Open Bite

An open bite means the front teeth do not touch when the mouth closes.

Children with open bites may experience:
 

• Speech difficulties

• Thumb sucking-related changes

• Difficulty biting foods

• Mouth breathing habits
   

Jaw Crowding & Narrow Palate

Some children develop narrow jaws that don’t leave enough room for permanent teeth.

This may cause:
 

• Severe crowding

• Crooked teeth

• Delayed tooth eruption

• Breathing concerns
   

Signs Your Child May Have Jaw Alignment Problems

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Parents often wonder how to know if their child needs orthodontic evaluation.

Common warning signs include:
 

• Crooked or crowded teeth

• Difficulty chewing

• Mouth breathing

• Thumb sucking past age 4

• Jaw clicking or shifting

• Speech difficulties

• Frequent biting of cheeks

• Uneven facial appearance

• Teeth that don’t fit together properly
   

Even if teeth appear straight, bite alignment problems may still exist underneath.
 

Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters

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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.

Early evaluation helps orthodontists:
 

• Monitor jaw growth

• Detect bite issues early

• Guide developing teeth into better positions

• Reduce future complications

• Identify airway or growth concerns
   

At this age, children still have growing jaws, making treatment more effective and less invasive in many cases.

 

Phase 1 Orthodontics for Jaw Growth Problems

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Some children benefit from early interceptive treatment called Phase 1 orthodontics.

Phase 1 treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth before all permanent teeth erupt.

Treatment may help:
 

• Correct crossbites

• Create room for crowded teeth

• Improve bite alignment

• Reduce future extractions

• Support balanced jaw growth
   

Learn more here

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Braces for Jaw Alignment Problems

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Braces are one of the most effective ways to improve bite alignment and jaw positioning.

Orthodontic braces apply controlled pressure to gradually move teeth and improve how the jaws fit together.

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Braces may help correct:
 

• Overbites

• Underbites

• Crossbites

• Crowding

• Jaw spacing issues
   

At Sola Kids Dental, we offer braces for children and teens in Los Angeles.

Learn more about braces here.
 

Metal vs Ceramic Braces

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Some families prefer traditional metal braces, while others choose ceramic braces for a more discreet appearance.

 

Metal Braces

• Durable and effective

• Great for complex cases

• Often recommended for younger patients
   

Ceramic Braces

• Tooth-colored appearance

• Less noticeable

• Popular among teens
   

Compare options here

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Invisalign & Jaw Alignment

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Some mild to moderate jaw alignment and bite issues can also be treated using Invisalign clear aligners.

Invisalign may help with:
 

• Mild crowding

• Spacing

• Minor bite correction

• Jaw alignment improvement in teens
   

Benefits include:
 

• Nearly invisible appearance

• Removable trays

• Easier brushing and flossing

• No metal brackets or wires
   

Learn more here
 

Jaw Alignment Without Surgery

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Many parents ask whether jaw alignment problems can be corrected without surgery.

For growing children and teens, non-surgical orthodontic treatment is often very effective because the jaw is still developing.

 

Depending on the severity of the issue, treatment may include:
 

• Braces

• Expanders

• Invisalign

• Growth-guidance appliances

• Elastics and bite correction tools
   

Early treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of jaw surgery later in life.
 

How Orthodontic Treatment Helps Long-Term Oral Health

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Correcting jaw alignment problems can improve:
 

• Chewing function

• Speech clarity

• Breathing patterns

• Oral hygiene access

• Tooth wear prevention

• Jaw comfort

• Long-term confidence
   

Proper jaw alignment also helps teeth last longer because bite pressure is distributed more evenly.