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Bite Problems

  • Created in Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment can correct jaw and teeth misalignment, and give you an amazing smile in the process. It works by harnessing our body’s natural ability to remodel its own tissue.

With application of light, constant force, orthodontic appliances gently reshape bone and move teeth into better positions. Examples of orthodontic appliances include braces, clear aligners, and palatal expanders.

Common Bite Problems

crossbiteCrossbite

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth are not vertically aligned with the lower teeth, which may sometimes feel like the upper teeth are resting inside of the lower teeth. This bite can lead to misaligned jaw development.

underbiteUnderbite

An underbite is when the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, so that the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. This bite can lead to TMJ pain, as well as problems with eating.

overbiteOverbite

An overbite occurs when the upper jaw extends excessively beyond the lower jaw. This can result in the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth, and leads to excessive wear in the front lower and upper teeth.

overjetOverjet (Protrusion)

Overjet is characterized by teeth protruding outward, often outside the lips, and is sometimes referred to as “buck teeth.” The main difference between an overbite and overjet is that in an overbite, the teeth grow straight down, and in overjet, they grow at an angle pointing outside the mouth. This condition is associated with an increased wear of the front teeth, and an increased risk of injury to the front teeth.

Open biteOpen Bite

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not overlap, and there is a vertical space between the top front and lower teeth.

crowdingExcessive Crowding

Crowding occurs when teeth are too close together. When there is no room in the gums because of excessive crowding, teeth can become impacted, meaning they are unable to grow and are stuck underneath the gums.

spacingSpacing

Spacing occurs when teeth are too far apart, which makes it easy for food to get stuck in between them.

Many bite problems can be fixed by moving teeth alone, while others might need more advanced orthodontic treatment. While it’s never too late to start orthodontic treatment, it’s always best to start early, as treatment can encourage ideal bone development in bones that are still growing.

Map & Hours

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Meet the Doctors
  • Dr.
    Jordan Masson

    I am originally from the east side of Michigan and grew up about 40 minutes north of Detroit.  I attended Western Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science. Following WMU, I set my sites on Dental School and earned my DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.

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  • Dr.
    Andrew Knowlton

    I decided to become a dentist following a skiing accident in high school resulting in a broken jaw and a few missing teeth. My dentist made me feel great during a time that I thought my social life was over. I knew I wanted to give people the same feeling I experienced.

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History of Our Practice

History of Our Practice

Dr. Gary Cook started our practice in 1975. Dr. Cook grew up in Kent City and attended the University of Michigan Dental School. After 4 years of general practice, he sold his practice to Dr. Lee McFall in 1979, and went back to U of M to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Cook later returned to Grand Rapids to practice in Pediatrics.

Dr. McFall graduated from Sparta High School in 1970, Albion College in 1974 and the University of Michigan in 1978. He practiced in Sheridan, Michigan for one year as an associate before buying Dr. Cook’s practice at 9161 Sparta Avenue. In the beginning, he practiced with one chair for himself and one for a hygienist. He had 3 employees: a hygienist, an assistant and a receptionist. In 1981 Dr. McFall bought his first computer system to be used to print and track insurance claims. The practice grew and a second chair for the doctor’s patients was added. In 1985 a second computer system was installed and was still used mainly for printing insurance forms at the reception desk. The practice continued to grow and a 4th chair was added for a second hygienist. By this time there were 10 employees.

In 1995 a networked computer system was installed with a dedicated file server, and with software that could be used in the treatment rooms as well as the front desk. This computer and software system was the beginning of a long-range technology plan to completely change how the practice would deliver dental care. We began using this system at the front desk to send insurance claims electronically. At that time we were one of the first offices in West Michigan using electronic submission of insurance claims for our patients. In January of 1997 a complete remodeling of the office was done and an intraoral camera system was installed to use for patient education and for photos to send to insurance companies for our patients.

In July of 1999 Dr. Andrew Knowlton joined our practice. Dr. Knowlton graduated from Belding High School in 1991, Andrews University in 1995, and University of Michigan Dental School in 1999. In the year 2000 we placed computers in the treatment rooms to more accurately and efficiently record treatment. We were also able to schedule appointments in the treatment rooms. This shortened the amount of time it took for our patients to “check out” after treatment. At this time we had 14 employees.

The practice grew steadily between 2000 & 2004 and in October of 2004, Dr. Knowlton & Dr. McFall became equal partners. The name of the practice changed from C. Lee McFall DDS PC to Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC. In 2005 we added a 5th treatment room but by that time we actually needed even more space than the rented building had room for. In 2006 we purchased land at 9654 Sparta Ave. and began plans for a new office. The office was completed in late 2008 and is one of the most technologically advanced general practices in West Michigan. Digital records, digital x-rays, and digital photographs are all utilized in the new facility. We believe it is a beautiful and comfortable place for patients to come for their oral health care.

In 2013, Dr. McFall was searching for a dentist to replace him as he was nearing retirement.   Dr. Jordan Masson fit the bill.  Dr. Masson graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2000, Western Michigan University in 2004, and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.  He was first hired as an associate dentist, but in July of 2014, Dr. Masson purchased Dr. McFall’s portion of the practice and officially became equal partners with Dr. Knowlton.  The name of the practice was changed from Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC to Knowlton & Masson Dentistry, PLLC.

Though our practice has evolved over the years, we remain committed to providing the best, individualized, and comprehensive care that we can for our valued patients.