What to Look For
Orthodontic concerns can develop during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Some problems are easy to notice, while others become apparent only during a professional orthodontic examination. Identifying these concerns early allows Dr. Timothy Agapas to monitor growth and recommend treatment at the most appropriate time. Whether you're concerned about your child's developing smile or changes in your own bite, understanding the signs of orthodontic problems can help you seek care before they become more complex.
RECOGNIZE THE EARLY SIGNS OF ORTHODONTIC CONCERNS
Know When to Schedule an Evaluation
EARLY SIGNS THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM ORTHODONTIC CARE
Most children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 8 to 9. At this stage, enough permanent teeth have usually erupted for Dr. Agapas to evaluate how the teeth and jaws are developing and determine whether treatment, or simply continued observation, is appropriate. Some children benefit from an earlier evaluation if their family dentist identifies concerns such as an anterior crossbite, abnormal tooth eruption, or other developing bite problems.
Common Orthodontic Concerns
SIGNS THAT ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT MAY HELP
Orthodontic Concerns
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CrowdingLearn More
Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth to fit properly. Teeth may overlap, rotate, or erupt outside their normal position. Early evaluation can help determine whether orthodontic treatment may improve alignment and create space for developing teeth.
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CrossbiteLearn More
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. It may affect the front teeth (anterior crossbite) or back teeth (posterior crossbite), potentially impacting tooth wear, jaw function, or jaw development if left untreated.
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Abnormal Tooth EruptionLearn More
Sometimes a tooth erupts in the wrong location or remains trapped beneath the gums, which is known as an impacted tooth. Early identification allows your orthodontist to monitor development and coordinate treatment if intervention is needed to guide the tooth into its proper position.
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UnderbiteLearn More
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth because the lower jaw has developed farther forward than the upper jaw. Early monitoring allows your orthodontist to determine the most appropriate timing for treatment while growth is still occurring.
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Deep Bite (Overbite)Learn More
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. A severe overbite may contribute to uneven tooth wear, irritation of the gums behind the upper teeth, or additional stress on the jaw.
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Open BiteLearn More
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are together. Thumb sucking, tongue habits, or jaw growth patterns may contribute to this condition, which can affect speech, chewing, and overall bite function.
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Excessive SpacingLearn More List Item 1
Spaces between the teeth may develop when teeth are missing, the jaw is larger than the teeth, or certain oral habits affect tooth positioning. While spacing is often a cosmetic concern, larger gaps may also make it more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene and keep the gums healthy.
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OverjetLearn More
Overjet refers to upper front teeth that extend significantly farther forward than the lower front teeth. This condition may increase the risk of dental injuries and can sometimes be improved more effectively when evaluated during childhood growth.
Orthodontic Concerns
-
CrowdingLearn More
Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth to fit properly. Teeth may overlap, rotate, or erupt outside their normal position. Early evaluation can help determine whether orthodontic treatment may improve alignment and create space for developing teeth.
-
CrossbiteLearn More
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. It may affect the front teeth (anterior crossbite) or back teeth (posterior crossbite), potentially impacting tooth wear, jaw function, or jaw development if left untreated.
-
Abnormal Tooth EruptionLearn More
Sometimes a tooth erupts in the wrong location or remains trapped beneath the gums, which is known as an impacted tooth. Early identification allows your orthodontist to monitor development and coordinate treatment if intervention is needed to guide the tooth into its proper position.
-
UnderbiteLearn More
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth because the lower jaw has developed farther forward than the upper jaw. Early monitoring allows your orthodontist to determine the most appropriate timing for treatment while growth is still occurring.
-
Deep Bite (Overbite)Learn More
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. A severe overbite may contribute to uneven tooth wear, irritation of the gums behind the upper teeth, or additional stress on the jaw.
-
Open BiteLearn More
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are together. Thumb sucking, tongue habits, or jaw growth patterns may contribute to this condition, which can affect speech, chewing, and overall bite function.
-
Excessive SpacingLearn More List Item 1
Spaces between the teeth may develop when teeth are missing, the jaw is larger than the teeth, or certain oral habits affect tooth positioning. While spacing is often a cosmetic concern, larger gaps may also make it more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene and keep the gums healthy.
-
OverjetLearn More
Overjet refers to upper front teeth that extend significantly farther forward than the lower front teeth. This condition may increase the risk of dental injuries and can sometimes be improved more effectively when evaluated during childhood growth.
