Orthodontic Issues We Treat

Orthodontics is more than a nice smile. Every patient’s bite and alignment needs are different. Orthodontic treatment addresses far more than appearance, it supports healthy function, comfortable chewing, and long-term oral health, for both children and adults. Whether you or your child is dealing with crowded teeth, a bite concern, or a jaw alignment issue, our personalized treatment plans are built around what your smile actually needs.

Below is an overview of the orthodontic conditions we most commonly treat and how we approach each one.

Free Consult

Crowding

Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly, causing them to overlap, rotate, or sit out of alignment.

Why it matters:

  • Makes brushing and flossing more difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease
  • Can lead to uneven wear on the affected teeth
  • Affects the overall appearance of the smile

How we treat it: We use braces or clear aligners, Angel Aligner or Invisalign, to gently guide crowded teeth into proper alignment. In growing children, early treatment or a palatal expander can create additional space and often reduces the need for more extensive treatment later.

Learn More Free Consult

Spacing

Spacing, or gaps between the teeth, can result from genetics, missing teeth, or habits such as thumb-sucking.

Why it matters:

  • Can affect the function of biting and chewing
  • May allow food to become trapped, increasing the risk of cavities
  • Affects the appearance of the smile

How we treat it: Using braces or clear aligners, or Invisalign, we close gaps and bring the teeth into a well-balanced, even alignment.

Learn More Free Consult

Posterior Crossbite

A posterior crossbite occurs when the upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth, on one or both sides of the jaw.

Why it matters:

  • Can cause the jaw to shift or develop asymmetrically over time
  • May lead to uneven tooth wear or jaw discomfort
  • Affects chewing efficiency

How we treat it: Traditional rapid palatal expanders or Invisalign palatal expanders or Angel Kid aligners are typically used to widen the upper jaw and restore proper alignment between the upper and lower back teeth.

Learn More Free Consult

Anterior Crossbite

An anterior crossbite occurs when one or more upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth, sometimes described as a front-tooth underbite.

Why it matters:

  • Can lead to uneven wear or chipping of the front teeth
  • May contribute to speech or aesthetic concerns
  • Can affect jaw growth and facial balance over time

How we treat it: Treatment often involves clear aligners, or Invisalign and sometimes early intervention in growing children to correct the alignment before it affects jaw development.

Learn More Free Consult

Excess Overjet (Overbite)

Excess overjet, often called an overbite, occurs when the upper front teeth extend significantly beyond the lower front teeth.

Why it matters:

  • Increases the risk of trauma or injury to the front teeth
  • May affect speech or the ability to bite into food comfortably
  • Can be a source of self-consciousness, particularly for teens

How we treat it: Clear aligners, Invisalign, or growth modification appliances bring the upper and lower teeth into better alignment, reducing excess overjet over the course of treatment.

Learn More Free Consult

Deep Bite

A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively, sometimes covering them almost completely.

Why it matters:

  • Can cause wear on the lower teeth or irritation to the gums behind the upper teeth
  • May contribute to jaw discomfort or TMJ symptoms
  • Affects the overall balance of the smile

How we treat it: Braces or clear aligners or Invisalign help create a more balanced bite,  to gradually adjust bite depth.

Learn More Free Consult

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the upper front teeth and lower front don’t touch, and only the back teeth are touching. There is a space between the front teeth. An open bite can sometimes be the result of thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use.

Why it matters:

  • Can cause severe wear on the back teeth
  • May contribute to jaw discomfort or TMJ symptoms
  • Affects the overall balance of the smile
  • Interferes with speaking and chewing

How we treat it: Clear aligners or Invisalign help the front teeth start to touch by slowly moving the back teeth into the bone.  In very severe cases, mini-implants or orthognathic surgery are used to correct the open bite in adults.

Learn More Free Consult

Uncomfortable or Uneven Bite

An uncomfortable bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not come together properly, making chewing or biting difficult.

Why it matters:

  • Can cause jaw pain or general discomfort
  • May lead to uneven wear or chipping
  • Affects chewing efficiency

How we treat it: We use braces or aligners to align the teeth and jaws, working toward a bite that is both functional and comfortable.

Free Consult

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends forward, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.

Why it matters:

  • Can make biting and chewing difficult
  • May cause jaw strain and uneven tooth wear
  • Affects facial profile and appearance

How we treat it: Treatment often involves braces, clear aligners, or appliances that guide jaw growth in younger patients. In more severe or skeletal cases in older teens or adults, surgical orthodontics may be considered.

Free Consult

Facial Balance, Jaw Growth

Orthodontic treatment is not limited to the teeth. It can also influence the overall balance of facial features, including a recessed chin, prominent jaw, or uneven lip position.

Why it matters:

  • Impacts facial symmetry and balance
  • Can affect confidence and self-image
  • Plays a role in oral function, including breathing and speech

How we treat it: Using advanced orthodontic techniques, we can help guide jaw growth, adjust the bite, and support better facial harmony, particularly when treatment begins early. In adult patients, fully correcting jaw size differences happens with orthognathic surgery

Learn More Free Consult

Why Choose MacKenzie Orthodontics

At MacKenzie Orthodontics, we treat a full range of orthodontic conditions with clinical expertise and a genuinely family-centered approach. With over 15 years of experience and more than 10,000 patients treated, Dr. MacKenzie brings both specialized training and hands-on experience to every case.

Two Advanced Aligner Systems: As Atlantic Canada’s largest clear aligner provider, we offer both Angel Aligner and Invisalign, always recommending what is right for your case.

Pain-Free Orthodontics: The Dental Pain Eraser offers drug-free relief from soreness after adjustments, for a more comfortable experience throughout treatment.

A Family-Centered Approach: Dr. MacKenzie is a mother of three and the only local orthodontist who is also a mom, and understands the importance of a comfortable, supportive environment for patients of every age.

Trusted by the Community: With over 1,000 five-star Google reviews across our three locations, we are proud to be the most reviewed orthodontic practice in the region.

Learn More Free Consult

Ready to Get Started

Whether you are noticing crowding, a bite concern, or a facial balance issue in yourself or your child, MacKenzie Orthodontics is here to help. We will build a personalized treatment plan around your specific needs, starting with a free consultation.

MacKenzie Orthodontics diagnoses and treats a full range of orthodontic conditions for patients in Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay, and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, as well as families from Northern Maine. Schedule your free consultation today to find out which treatment is right for you.

Free Consult