Orthodontics is the specialized branch of dentistry focused on correcting teeth and jaw alignment to improve oral function and long-term health. It involves diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, often called malocclusions. While many parents believe orthodontic care is only for teenagers, identifying potential issues early can significantly simplify future treatment. This article guides parents on recognizing signs that their child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation.
Observable Signs Indicating a Need for Checkup
Parents can look for several observable signs and behaviors that suggest an underlying issue with tooth or jaw development. A common indicator is the persistence of oral habits, such as thumb or finger sucking, that continues past the age of four. This extended pressure can push the front teeth out of alignment and affect jaw growth.
Visible signs of misalignment, such as teeth that appear crowded, crooked, or overlapping, are clear reasons for an evaluation. Large, uneven spaces between teeth can also signal a problem with jaw size or missing teeth. Difficulty chewing or biting into food suggests the upper and lower teeth are not meeting correctly.
Other signs relate to jaw function and breathing patterns. A jaw that shifts, protrudes, or makes clicking or popping sounds when the child opens and closes their mouth could indicate a joint or alignment problem. Chronic mouth breathing, where the child habitually breathes through their mouth, can negatively affect jaw development and facial structure.
The timing of tooth loss is important; the early or late loss of baby teeth can disrupt the eruption path of the permanent teeth. If a child frequently bites the inside of their cheek or the roof of their mouth, it suggests the teeth are not fitting together properly. Speech difficulties, such as a lisp or trouble pronouncing certain sounds, may also be linked to the positioning of the teeth or jaw.
When Is the Best Time to See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child’s first orthodontic evaluation take place no later than age seven. By this age, the child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing the orthodontist to assess the developing bite and jaw structure. This early visit establishes a baseline for monitoring growth and does not necessarily mean immediate treatment is required.
The initial examination allows the specialist to identify subtle problems with jaw growth or emerging alignment issues that are easier to correct while the child is still growing. If an issue is detected, the orthodontist may recommend a two-phase approach to treatment.
Phase I, or interceptive treatment, typically occurs between ages six and ten and focuses on guiding jaw development or making room for permanent teeth. This early intervention can simplify or shorten the second phase of treatment. Phase II, the comprehensive phase, usually begins once most permanent teeth have erupted, focusing on final alignment and bite refinement.
Specific Dental and Jaw Alignment Issues
Orthodontic treatment addresses malocclusions, the technical term for an improper bite where the upper and lower teeth do not align correctly. These conditions can lead to chewing difficulties, speech issues, and uneven wear on the teeth. Understanding the specific type of malocclusion helps clarify the functional need for treatment.
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. A deep overbite can cause the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth or lead to unusual wear. Conversely, an underbite is when the lower jaw and teeth protrude forward, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.
A crossbite involves a horizontal misalignment where one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. This can cause the jaw to shift to one side when biting, potentially affecting the jaw joint and growth. An open bite is a misalignment where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, leaving a vertical gap.
Severe crowding is common when the jaw lacks sufficient space to accommodate permanent teeth, causing them to twist or overlap. Left uncorrected, crowding increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease because the teeth are difficult to clean. Addressing these alignment issues improves both function and long-term oral health.
The Initial Orthodontic Evaluation Process
The first visit is a comprehensive assessment designed to determine the child’s developmental needs. The appointment begins with a thorough visual examination of the teeth, jaws, and facial structure, along with a review of the child’s medical and dental history.
To gain a complete picture of the underlying structures, the orthodontist takes diagnostic records. These usually include digital photographs and specialized X-rays, such as a panoramic X-ray. The panoramic image shows all the teeth, including those not yet erupted, and provides a view of the jawbones and temporomandibular joints.
In some cases, digital scans or physical impressions of the teeth may be taken to create a precise three-dimensional model of the bite. After reviewing all the data, the orthodontist discusses the findings with the parents. This consultation covers whether treatment is necessary, if monitoring is advised, or if an early intervention plan is recommended.