Alignment Problems To Watch For In Children

When your children are between the ages of six and eight you will want to pay close attention to the alignment of their teeth.

If you notice any of the following problems, you will want to talk to an orthodontist about orthodontic treatment.

• Excessive spacing: Usually happens with abnormal growth of the jawbone.
• Crowding: This is when the jaw is too small to accommodate permanent teeth.
• Under-bite: When the lower jaw grows larger than the upper jaw.
• Over-bite: When the upper jaw grows larger than the lower jaw.
• Open-bite: When the teeth are  unable to make physical contact for a proper bite.
• Cross-bite: When the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth.
• Over-jet (protruding): Teeth that are too far forward commonly known as "buck teeth".

If these problems are left untreated they can result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, and earaches, as well as speaking, biting or chewing problems.