Comprehensive care for all orthodontic conditions, from overbites to crossbites and beyond.
Orthodontic conditions affect more than just the appearance of your smile. When teeth and jaws don’t align properly, it can impact your ability to chew, speak, and breathe comfortably. These issues may also lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and increased risk of dental problems down the road. At ABM Orthodontics, we take a comprehensive, holistic approach to orthodontic care that goes beyond straight teeth to focus on better health outcomes for every patient.
Identifying orthodontic conditions early, especially during childhood growth spurts, allows us to guide jaw development naturally and prevent more serious issues later. We recommend children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven, though patients of all ages can benefit from treatment. Early intervention often means shorter treatment times and better long-term results.
Every smile is unique, which means every treatment plan should be too. We take time during each visit to educate you about your specific condition, explain how different treatment options work, and help you make informed decisions about your care. Whether you need growth modification appliances, braces, clear aligners, or a combination of approaches, we create personalized treatment plans that fit your goals, schedule, and budget.
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than they should. While a slight overbite is normal and healthy, excessive vertical overlap can lead to problems including tooth wear, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and increased risk of injury to the front teeth. Some patients with severe overbites may also experience speech difficulties or self-consciousness about their smile appearance.
Treatment for overbites depends on the severity and underlying cause. In growing patients, we may use appliances to guide jaw development and reduce the overbite naturally. Adults typically benefit from braces or clear aligners combined with elastics or other corrective devices. Dr. Mahdavi evaluates whether your overbite stems from tooth positioning, jaw alignment, or both, then creates a treatment plan that addresses the root cause for lasting results.
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude in front of the upper teeth, typically due to an overgrown lower jaw, undergrown upper jaw, or a combination of both. This condition can cause difficulty chewing, speaking clearly, and breathing properly. Underbites may also lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and increased strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Many patients feel self-conscious about the appearance of their profile when an underbite is present.
Early intervention provides the best outcomes for underbite correction, especially during childhood growth spurts when we can guide jaw development. Treatment options include growth modification appliances, braces, or clear aligners depending on the severity and the patient’s age. In some cases of severe skeletal underbites in adults, we may coordinate with oral surgeons for comprehensive treatment. Dr. Mahdavi carefully evaluates the cause and severity of your underbite to recommend the most effective approach for achieving proper bite function and facial balance.
An overjet occurs when the upper front teeth protrude significantly forward beyond the lower teeth, creating a noticeable horizontal gap. While often confused with an overbite, overjet specifically measures the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth rather than vertical overlap. Excessive overjet increases the risk of front tooth trauma during falls or sports activities, can cause difficulty biting and chewing, and may contribute to speech issues. Many patients also feel self-conscious about the appearance of protruding front teeth.
Treatment for overjet depends on whether the issue stems from tooth positioning, jaw relationships, or habits like thumb sucking. In children, early intervention with growth modification appliances can guide proper jaw development and reduce overjet naturally. Adults typically achieve correction through braces or clear aligners, sometimes combined with elastics or other orthodontic devices. Dr. Mahdavi evaluates the underlying cause of your overjet to create a treatment plan that improves both function and aesthetics while protecting your front teeth from injury.
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them, which is the opposite of how teeth should naturally fit together. This misalignment can affect a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire side of the mouth. Crossbites often develop due to a narrow upper jaw, delayed loss of baby teeth, or prolonged thumb sucking habits. Left untreated, crossbites can cause uneven tooth wear, gum recession, jaw pain, and asymmetrical jaw growth that affects facial appearance.
Early detection and treatment of crossbites is crucial, especially in growing children where we can guide proper jaw development before the problem worsens. Treatment typically involves palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw, followed by braces or clear aligners to perfect tooth alignment. Adults with crossbites can also achieve successful correction, though treatment may take longer once jaw growth is complete. Dr. Mahdavi carefully evaluates the type and severity of your crossbite to recommend the most effective treatment approach for restoring proper bite function and preventing long-term complications.
ABM Orthodontics is a family-owned practice where personalized care takes priority over quotas and corporate mandates. We take a comprehensive approach to treating orthodontic conditions, addressing not just tooth alignment but also bite function, airway health, and long-term oral wellness. Our Clearwater location offers flexible scheduling including select Saturdays, virtual consultation options, and Spanish-speaking services to accommodate our diverse community.
We use advanced 3D imaging and digital diagnostic tools to accurately assess your orthodontic condition and create precise treatment plans that address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Our skilled professionals have experience treating all types of orthodontic conditions in patients ages five to 95, providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs and goals.
From the moment you walk in, we prioritize education and understanding. We take time to explain your condition, discuss treatment options, and ensure you feel confident in your care decisions.
Schedule your appointment today and experience personalized dental care that puts your comfort first. Healthy teeth. Confident you.
The most common orthodontic conditions we treat include overbites (upper teeth overlapping lower teeth excessively), underbites (lower teeth protruding in front of upper teeth), overjets (upper teeth protruding forward horizontally), and crossbites (upper teeth sitting inside lower teeth). Each condition can affect your bite function, tooth wear, jaw health, and overall oral wellness in different ways.
We recommend children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven, when we can detect developing conditions and potentially guide jaw growth naturally. However, orthodontic conditions can be successfully treated at any age. We welcome patients from age five to 95 and create treatment plans appropriate for each stage of life.
Yes, many orthodontic conditions can worsen over time and lead to additional problems. Untreated conditions may cause uneven tooth wear, gum recession, jaw pain, TMJ issues, difficulty chewing or speaking, and increased risk of tooth damage. Early intervention often prevents these complications and may reduce treatment complexity later.
Treatment length varies depending on the type and severity of your condition, your age, and the treatment approach used. Some patients see results in 12 to 18 months, while more complex conditions may require 24 to 30 months. During your consultation, Dr. Mahdavi will provide a personalized timeline based on your specific situation.
Our convenient Clearwater location at 1180 Ponce de Leon Blvd makes quality orthodontic care accessible to families throughout Pinellas County. We’re proud to serve patients from Clearwater, Largo, Belleair, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Seminole and the surrounding communities. Our modern office features the latest orthodontic technology in a welcoming, comfortable environment designed with your family in mind. Whether you’re coming from nearby or across the bay, you’ll find ample parking and easy access to our practice. We offer flexible appointment times, including select Saturdays, to fit your busy schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and discover the ABM Orthodontics difference.
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