Early Warning Signs of Orthodontic Problems
Some early warning signs of orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated sooner rather than later. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some orthodontic problems more difficult. But…children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics, because healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. These signs are reasons to arrange an assessment. They do not by themselves establish a diagnosis or the need to start treatment.
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Persistent thumb or finger sucking
- Top front teeth that protrude
- A deep overlap of the front teeth that concerns you or causes discomfort
- Top front teeth go behind the bottom teeth when biting
- A space exists between top and bottom front teeth when biting
- Crowded, overlapped, misplaced teeth or extra teeth
- Teeth meet abnormally or don’t meet at all
- Center of top and bottom teeth don’t line up
- Teeth wearing unevenly
- Baby teeth falling out too early
- Jaw pain, locking or difficulty opening
- Jaws that shift off center when biting
- Speech difficulty
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth often
- Weak chin or a prominent chin
- Facial imbalance
- Jaws that protrude or recede
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Embarrassing teeth or smile often hidden by hands
Discuss your concerns with your dentist or orthodontist. A visit can help determine whether to monitor development, consider orthodontic care or seek another evaluation. For a child’s first checkup, see our age-seven visit guide.
If you know of someone who has one of these early warning signs please take the time to refer them to SmileMaker Orthodontics to see Dr. Jay Burton, a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. He takes great pride in helping people achieve a beautiful smile in Hendersonville, Madison, Goodlettsville and Nashville, TN. You can contact our office at (615) 865-6551 or email us at braces@smilemaker.com.