Why Braces?
Problems to Watch for in Growing Children
![](https://www.bporthosmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/Crossbite-of-Front-Teeth.jpg)
Crossbite of Front Teeth
Top teeth are behind bottom teeth
![](https://www.bporthosmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/Crossbite-of-Back-Teeth.jpg)
Crossbite of Back Teeth
Top teeth are to the inside of bottom teeth
![](https://www.bporthosmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/Crowding.jpg)
Crowding
![](https://www.bporthosmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/Open-Bite.jpg)
Open Bite
Front teeth do not meet when back teeth are closed
![](https://www.bporthosmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/Protrusion.jpg)
Protrusion
![](https://www.bporthosmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/Deep-Bite.jpg)
Deep Bite
![](https://www.bporthosmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/Underbite.jpg)
Underbite
The lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth when back teeth are closed
![](https://www.bporthosmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/Spacing.jpg)
Spacing
![](https://www.bporthosmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/Oral-Habits.jpg)
Oral Habits
Sucking on thumb, fingers
Malocclusions (“bad bites”), like those illustrated above, may benefit from early diagnosis and referral to an orthodontic specialist for a full evaluation.
In addition, if you notice any of the following in your child, check with your orthodontist:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Speech difficulties
- Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
- Facial imbalance
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
Final treatment decisions should be made among the parent, child’s dentist and orthodontist.
The Right Time for an Orthodontic Check-Up: No Later than Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
Here’s Why
If your child is older than 7, it’s certainly not too late for a check-up.
Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.