Malocclusions (“bad bites”) may benefit from early diagnosis and referral to an orthodontic specialist for a full evaluation.
Problems to watch for:
- Crossbite in front of teeth
Top teeth are behind bottom teeth - Crossbite of back teeth
Top teeth are to the inside of bottom teeth - Crowding
- Open Bite
Front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are closed - Protrusion
- Deep bite
- Underbite
The lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth Sucking on thumb, fingers when back teeth are closed - Spacing
- Oral Habits
Sucking on thumb, fingers
In addition, if you notice any of the following in your child, check with Dr. Taylor:
UNDERBITE SPACING ORAL HABITS
- 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 Dr. Taylor.
Source: American Association of Orthodontists
