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From crowding (overlapping teeth) and spacing to bite issues and jaw misalignment — we diagnose and treat orthodontic problems for patients of all ages. These issues are common and fixable.
Good news: almost all orthodontic problems are fixable with today's treatment options. Most people have some degree of dental misalignment — and early detection is the key to simpler, faster, and more affordable treatment.
As an AAO member and board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Zipper treats these common, fixable orthodontic problems at our Boca Raton and Boynton Beach offices:
Orthodontic problems can develop at any age. Some are inherited, while others result from habits like thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, or early loss of baby teeth. Regardless of the cause, misaligned teeth and bite issues can affect your ability to chew, speak, and maintain good oral hygiene — and they rarely improve on their own.
At Zipper Orthodontics in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, every evaluation includes a digital scan with the iTero Element™ 3D intraoral scanner and, when clinically indicated, CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) imaging for precise diagnosis. We treat patients of all ages — children, teens, and adults — across South Florida, including Delray Beach, Coral Springs, Parkland, and Deerfield Beach. Treatment options include braces, clear aligners, and early treatment for children. Whether you're noticing early signs in your child or addressing long-standing issues as an adult, our team provides personalized treatment plans to correct problems efficiently and comfortably.
Crooked teeth and bite problems can be caused by genetics, childhood habits, mouth breathing, or early tooth loss. The good news? All of these conditions are common and nothing to worry about — they're very fixable with modern orthodontic treatment.
Crowding (overlapping teeth) happens when there isn't enough room in the jaw for all teeth to fit. This can cause teeth to twist, overlap, and become hard to clean — raising the risk of cavities and gum disease. This is the most common orthodontic problem and is very fixable.
Spacing (gaps between teeth) can result from missing teeth, undersized teeth, or jaw growth patterns. While small gaps may seem like just a cosmetic issue, they can trap food and affect bite function. Closing gaps creates an even, balanced smile.
An overbite (also called overjet — when upper teeth stick out too far) means the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. A mild overbite is normal, but a deep overbite can cause wear on lower teeth, gum irritation, and jaw pain. This is common and very fixable.
An underbite (prognathism — when lower jaw extends forward) occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. This can make chewing difficult, cause uneven tooth wear, and affect facial appearance. It sounds serious, but it's fixable with the right treatment plan.
A crossbite (when upper and lower teeth don't line up) happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. Left untreated, it can cause jaw shifting, uneven growth, and excessive wear. Early treatment with expanders or braces can correct crossbites effectively.
An open bite (when front teeth don't touch when biting down) means the upper and lower front teeth don't make contact when the mouth is closed. This can make it hard to bite into food and may cause speech issues. It's more common than you might think and is fixable with treatment.
Impacted teeth (teeth trapped under the gumline) haven't erupted properly and remain stuck under the gum or bone. This is most common with canines and wisdom teeth. Orthodontic treatment can guide impacted teeth into their correct position using braces and specialized attachments.
Rotated teeth (teeth turned or twisted out of their normal alignment) can affect how your teeth fit together, make cleaning difficult, and impact your smile. This is a common issue and nothing to worry about — braces and clear aligners are both effective at rotating teeth back into proper position.
Jaw misalignment (malocclusion — when the upper and lower jaws don't line up correctly) can lead to an uneven bite, facial asymmetry, and TMJ discomfort. Treatment may include braces, functional appliances, or a combination approach. This condition is common and fixable with the right treatment plan.
Not sure if you or your child needs orthodontic care? These are common signs that it's time for a professional evaluation. Don't worry — these are all fixable.
If you or your child experience any of the following, schedule a free consultation at our Boca Raton or Boynton Beach office:
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. As an AAO member and board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Zipper can identify developing issues early and recommend early treatment if needed.
Almost all orthodontic problems are fixable with modern treatment. The 9 most common problems we treat are: crowding (overlapping teeth), spacing (gaps between teeth), overbite (also called overjet — when upper teeth stick out too far), underbite (prognathism — when lower jaw extends forward), crossbite (when upper and lower teeth don't line up), open bite (when front teeth don't touch when biting down), impacted teeth (teeth trapped under the gumline), teeth rotation, and jaw misalignment. Treatment options include braces, clear aligners, and early intervention.
Common signs you may need orthodontic treatment include crooked or crowded teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, jaw pain or clicking, mouth breathing, teeth that don't meet properly when you close your mouth, and self-consciousness about your smile. These are all common and nothing to worry about. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Zipper, a board-certified orthodontist and AAO member, at our Boca Raton or Boynton Beach office.
Crooked teeth can be caused by genetics (inherited jaw size or tooth size), childhood habits like thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use, mouth breathing, early loss of baby teeth, or injury. Most causes of crooked teeth are common and nothing to worry about — orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners can straighten teeth at any age.
In most cases, orthodontic problems do not resolve on their own and often get worse without treatment. While some minor spacing issues in young children may improve as adult teeth come in, conditions like overbite (also called overjet), underbite (prognathism), crossbite (when upper and lower teeth don't line up), and crowding (overlapping teeth) typically require professional orthodontic care. Early evaluation — ideally by age 7 — allows Dr. Zipper to monitor development and intervene at the best time.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Zipper can identify developing issues and determine whether early intervention (Phase 1 treatment) is needed. However, orthodontic treatment is effective at any age — we treat children, teens, and adults at our Boca Raton and Boynton Beach offices.
No. Depending on the type and severity of your orthodontic issue, treatment options may include clear aligners, traditional braces, or other appliances. Mild to moderate crowding (overlapping teeth), spacing (gaps), and bite issues can often be corrected with clear aligners. Dr. Zipper will recommend the most effective treatment during your free consultation.
Treatment length varies depending on the type and severity of the problem. Minor issues like mild crowding (overlapping teeth) may be corrected in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases involving jaw misalignment or multiple bite issues can take 18 to 24 months or longer. At your free consultation, Dr. Zipper will provide a personalized treatment timeline based on your specific needs.
Dr. Brandon Zipper, DMD, MS is a board-certified orthodontist and member of the American Association of Orthodontists. He earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, and completed his orthodontic residency and Master of Science in Oral Biology at Temple University.
Our practice uses advanced diagnostic technology including iTero Element™ 3D intraoral scanners and CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) imaging for precision treatment planning. All materials are BPA-free and biocompatible, with nickel-free wire options available for sensitive patients.
Orthodontic treatment at Zipper Orthodontics is led by Dr. Zipper, a board-certified orthodontist and AAO member, trained at Cornell University, Nova Southeastern University, and Temple University. With offices in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, we proudly serve families across Palm Beach County.
