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

5. Is there too little or too much room for the teeth? Crowded or overlapped teeth...

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

...or noticeably large gaps between teeth

3. Is there an underbite? The upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth

6. Do the front teeth line up? The spaces between the two upper front teeth and the two lower front 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

4. 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

7. Is there a crossbite? The upper back teeth fit inside, rather than outside of the lowers

If you determine that the answer to any of these questions is "yes," or if you are not sure, please don't hesitate to contact us for a free examination appointment.