Crowding

If the baby teeth have no spaces between them (for a 7-year-old), then there won’t be room for adult teeth. If your front teeth are crooked, or are in the wrong place.

See an orthodontist by age 7; treatment may begin when the child has their first permanent molars.

• Many patients prefer the look of a straight smile.
• It’s harder to floss and brush teeth that are squeezed tightly together.
• If treatment is delayed, then it may be necessary to extract teeth to achieve the same results in the future.
• Crowded teeth are often subject to uneven wear and may lead to TIMJ issues

Underbite

If your lower teeth fit outside of the upper teeth when the jaw is closed.

See an orthodontist by age 7; treatment may begin when the child has their first permanent molars. Early treatment is vital.

• Uncorrected underbites are the most common type of bite associated with jaw joint problems.
• Left untreated, the underbite may become worse.
• May improve the facial profile.
• Underbites may lead to uneven wear on teeth.

Crossbite

If your upper back teeth bite on the inside of lower back teeth.

See an orthodontist by age 7; treatment should begin when the child has their first permanent molars. Early treatment is vital.

• Uncorrected crossbites may lead to uneven growth of the jaws.
• You may avoid potential jaw joint problems.
• Crossbites may lead to uneven wear on teeth.

Open Bite

If your front teeth don’t touch when your jaw is closed. Thumb sucking and pacifier use can result in an open bite.

See an orthodontist by age 7; treatment may not begin until later.

• Due to the nature of the bite, patients with an open bite often cannot bite into food, such as sandwiches.
• Left untreated, an open bite may lead to a “long face.”
• You may avoid potential TMD signs and symptoms.

Deep Bite

If your top teeth hide your bottom teeth when your jaw is closed.

The best time to correct a deep bite is once all permanent teeth have erupted.

• Left untreated, a deep bite can lead to a “short face.”
• Deep bites routinely cause excess wear to the front teeth.

Overbite

If your top jaw protrudes over your lower jaw when your mouth is closed.

An overbite should be treated in respect to the child’s growth spurt. It is critical to have the growth evaluated to determine the appropriate time for treatment.

• Deep bites are often present with an overbite and can cause excess wear to the front teeth.
• Can lead to a more esthetically pleasing profile.

Oral Habits

• Thumb sucking
• Mouth breathing
• Tongue thrusting
• Extended pacifier use

These habits can lead to orthodontic issues and should be evaluated by an orthodontist and treated by 5 or 6 years of age.

Left uncorrected, they can lead to:

• Crossbites
• Excess Overbite
• Open Bite
• Crowding