Alignment Problems To Watch For In Children

When your children are around six to eight, you will want to start paying 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: This usually happens with abnormal growth of the jawbone.
• Crowding: This is when the jaw is too small to accommodate permanent teeth.
• Underbite: When the lower jaw grows larger than the upper jaw.
• Overbite: 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.
• Crossbite: When the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth.
• Over-jet (protruding): Teeth that are too far forward commonly known as "buckteeth". 

If these problems are left untreated they can result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, and ear aches. It may also cause speaking, biting, or chewing problems.