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Underbite and Crossbite Treatment in Odessa, Florida

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Underbite and Crossbite Treatment in Odessa, Florida

An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. A crossbite is when some upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth instead of outside; it can happen at the front of the mouth, the back, or both. Both bite issues can make chewing uncomfortable, wear teeth unevenly, and, for children, affect how the jaw grows over time.

At Smile Isle Orthodontics, Dr. Marina uses 3D CBCT imaging and digital scans to understand the underlying cause of an underbite or crossbite. Some bites can be guided with expansion or appliances while a child is still growing; others benefit from braces, Invisalign, or a combined orthodontic-surgical plan.

Start with a FREE consultation. We proudly serve patients in Odessa, Trinity, Keystone, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, and New Port Richey.

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Questions? Call: (813) 755-4655

Common causes of underbite and crossbite

Jaw growth imbalance: When the lower jaw grows faster than the upper jaw, or the upper jaw doesn’t grow as much as expected, the lower teeth may sit in front of the upper teeth.

Narrow upper arch: A narrow upper palate is a common cause of crossbite, especially in children.

Genetics: Underbites and crossbites often run in families.

Tooth position: Sometimes individual teeth are tilted or out of place, creating a localized crossbite without a real skeletal issue.

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Treatment options for underbite and crossbite

Palate Expanders

For kids and teens with a narrow upper arch causing a crossbite, a rapid palatal expander (RPE) gently widens the upper jaw over a short period of time. For adults whose growth is complete, we offer MSE/MARPE expanders, which use temporary mini-implants to create skeletal expansion. We partner with a custom MARPE lab to design expanders around your anatomy.

Metal and Ceramic Braces

Braces let us correct individual tooth positions and bite relationships with precision. For underbites and crossbites where the issue is dental rather than skeletal, braces alone may be enough. We offer traditional and self-ligating metal braces as well as GC Chic ceramic braces.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign can correct many mild to moderate underbites and crossbites, especially when the underlying bone structure is sound. Dr. Marina has advanced training in Invisalign and completes ongoing education each year.

Functional Appliances for Growing Patients

When we catch a developing underbite or crossbite in a child whose jaws are still growing, functional appliances can guide growth in a healthier direction. That’s one of the reasons why early evaluation by age 6 is so important.

Surgical Orthodontics

For severe skeletal underbites where the lower jaw is significantly larger or more forward than the upper jaw, surgery may be recommended alongside orthodontic treatment. We coordinate closely with trusted oral surgeons to design a plan that addresses both the orthodontic and surgical needs.

Why treating underbite and crossbite matters

More Comfortable Chewing

An underbite or crossbite changes how the teeth meet, which can make chewing uncomfortable and inefficient. Better alignment makes eating easier and more enjoyable.

Even Tooth Wear

When teeth meet incorrectly, certain teeth take more force than they should. Over time, this can cause wear, chipping, and sensitivity. Treatment helps spread biting forces more evenly across the smile.

Supporting Healthy Jaw Growth in Children

For children, an untreated crossbite can affect how the upper and lower jaws develop. Early treatment can guide growth in a healthier direction and may simplify treatment later on.

Airway-Conscious Treatment

A narrow upper jaw doesn’t just affect the bite, it can also reduce space behind the tongue and influence breathing. Smile Isle Orthodontics is the only airway-focused practice in the area, so we evaluate underbites and crossbites with breathing and airway health in mind too.

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Answers to your questions about Odessa underbite treatment

What's the difference between an underbite and a crossbite?

An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth across the front of the mouth. A crossbite is when some upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. Some patients have both.

At what age should an underbite or crossbite be treated?

Many crossbites are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. That said, underbites and crossbites can be treated at any age. Adults just have different options than kids.

Can Invisalign fix an underbite?

For mild to moderate cases with sound underlying bone structure, often yes. More complex skeletal underbites may require braces or a combined orthodontic-surgical plan. We’ll explain what’s possible at your consultation.

Will I need surgery?

Most underbites and crossbites can be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. Surgery is reserved for severe skeletal cases. If surgery is recommended, we’ll walk you through every step.

How does a palate expander work?

A palate expander gently widens the upper jaw. For kids and teens, an RPE uses gradual pressure on the teeth to push the palatal bones apart. For adults, an MSE/MARPE anchors to temporary mini-implants so the widening force acts on bone, not just teeth. You turn a key at home for one to two weeks, followed by a holding phase so new bone can form.

How long does treatment take?

It depends on the cause and the chosen approach. Expansion may take a few months; full braces or aligner treatment typically takes longer. Your personalized timeline will be discussed at your free consultation.

Flexible Payment Options

Investing in your smile shouldn’t feel overwhelming. We offer no-interest financing with low down payments, pay-in-full savings, family discounts, and convenient monthly plans through Cherry.

We’re in-network with Delta Dental and accept all PPO policies with out-of-network benefits. Our team is ready to help you understand and maximize your benefits. HSA and FSA funds can also be used toward treatment.

Learn About Financing
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Find out what’s behind your bite

Whether you’ve noticed an underbite or crossbite in your own smile or your child’s, the easiest place to start is a free consultation. We’ll explain what’s happening, what options are open to you, and what makes sense as a next step.
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INvisalign
Southern Society of Orthodontists
Florida Dental Association
West Coast District Dental Association
Hillborough County Dental Society

Visit us in Odessa

Our practice is conveniently located in a family-focused building, sharing space with a pediatric medical group and a pediatric dental practice. We treat patients from Land O' Lakes, Trinity, Keystone, Lutz, New Port Richey, and the entire greater Tampa community. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans!

Call (813) 755-4655

14735 Sully Run
Odessa, FL 33556
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