SIX warning signs for children

An orthodontist answers the following questions when making a first evaluation. These answers are based on visual observation of the mouth and teeth. When you know what to look for, you can answer these questions, too.

1) How is spacing between teeth?
Crowded or overlapping teeth...



...or noticeable large gaps between teeth.



2) Is there an open bite?
The child can stick his or her tongue between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together.



3) Do the upper teeth protrude (overbite)?
Excessive protrusion of the upper front teeth -"buck teeth"- by far the most common orthodontic problem.



4) Is there a deep bite?
The upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much.



5) Is there an underbite?
The lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth.



6) Do the midlines line up?
The spaces between the two upper front teeth and the two lower front lower teeth should line up with each other and both should line up with the bridge of the nose. When they do not, the probable cause is drifted teeth or a shifted lower jaw, resulting in an improper bite.