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Orthodontist Eric Lund speaks about the importance and benefits of early orthodontic screening.

How to Know if You Need Braces

Braces are commonly associated with straightening crooked teeth, but they serve a broader purpose in addressing various orthodontic issues. Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for braces can lead to timely treatment and a healthier smile.

At Families First Orthodontics, we provide free evaluations, including high-resolution photos, x-rays, and personal consultation and treatment plans. Click here to schedule your evaluation, or read on to learn more about common orthodontic issues and signs that you or your child might need braces:

Teeth Crowding: Lack of Space in the Jaw

Teeth crowding happens when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for the teeth to erupt correctly. As a result, teeth can come out at odd angles or tucked behind other teeth, which can make them challenging to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental crowding can result from various environmental, congenital, and behavioral causes. One of the most common behavioral reasons is sucking on a thumb or pacifier after about the age of three. The constant pressure on the teeth can cause them to move out of place, crowding out the rest of the mouth.

Fortunately, crowding is one of the most common reasons for orthodontic treatment and the care plan is well established. Talk with your child’s dentist about if and when your child might benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Open Bite: Front Teeth that Don't Touch

An open bite is identified by an outward slant of the front teeth, resulting in a gap between top and bottom teeth when the jaw is closed. Open bites can interfere with proper chewing and may affect speech.

The most common causes are misalignment in the jaw, sucking on a thumb or pacifier, and tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue against the back of the teeth).

When an open bite is identified in childhood, a combination of orthodontic treatment and behavior modification can address the cause and consequences. A successful care plan could potentially prevent the need for corrective surgery in the future.

Deep Overbite: Lower front teeth bite into palate

Any time the upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth, we call that an overbite. When minor, it’s usually not a big deal and may not require treatment. However, if left untreated, some overbites can become worse or lead to other problems.

Common secondary problems include difficulty chewing and speaking, jaw pain, gum disease, and tooth decay. That’s because jaw misalignment can cause teeth to wear down more quickly or cause damage to the roof of the mouth.

Missing Lateral Incisors: Missing Teeth Due to Genetics

Hypodontia is a common condition in which a patient is missing one or more teeth. Importantly, hypodontia refers to a congenital lack of certain teeth; it does not refer to teeth lost through trauma or behavior. Moreover, because it is congenital there is a genetic component. If you have hypodontia, it’s more likely your child will too.

The most common missing tooth is the upper lateral incisor (between your front teeth and your canines), impacting about two percent of the population. If your child is missing their lateral incisors or any other teeth, our orthodontic team at Families First Pediatrics can discuss a number of potential treatment options.

Underbite: Lower Teeth in Front of Upper Teeth

Whenever a patient’s bottom teeth protrude over the top teeth, we call that an underbite. Just like an overbite, mild cases may not need treatment but can lead to larger problems in the future.

Underbites are estimated to impact between 5% and 10% of the population and can lead to jaw pain, tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty eating and speaking. Orthodontic treatment can remedy an underbite by adjusting the positioning of the teeth and jaw until they sit more comfortably.

Surgical Underbite Correction

Your orthodontic team at Families First Pediatrics will make every effort to create a treatment plan that is the least invasive. Most common issues can be corrected with a combination of braces and retainers, but certain irregularities can’t be corrected with orthodontic appliances alone.

Jaw surgery to correct an underbite or other malocclusion may be an option after growth stops, which varies from person to person. An oral surgeon can help move the jaw into a more correct position by adding or removing bone. In most cases, this type of operation can be performed from inside the mouth, leaving the patient with no visible scars.

Spacing of Teeth: Teeth with Large Gaps

A condition called diastema, commonly called “gap teeth” is one of the most common orthodontic issues. Most of the time, it presents as a gap between the front teeth but can be located anywhere in the mouth. Diastema is incredibly common among children and doesn’t usually require treatment unless it persists after the secondary teeth come in.

When this condition persists, it’s usually caused by a mismatch between the size of the jaw and the size of the teeth. Tooth gaps can also be caused by thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and gum disease. Many gaps are purely cosmetic and some people love their tooth gap, but more extreme gaps can lead to tooth decay or bone loss in some locations. If you’re unsure whether a gap is cute or problematic, talk with your child’s orthodontist.

Overjet: Protruding Front Teeth

In layman’s terms, an overjet is known as “buck teeth” and often confused with a more conventional overbite. In an overjet, the upper teeth protrude over the bottom teeth, just like in an overbite, but they also exit the jaw at an outward angle.

An overjet can be hereditary or can be caused by thumb-sucking, pacifiers, or tongue thrusting. In addition to the cosmetic downside, an overjet can cause problems with eating and speaking and usually benefits from orthodontic treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that I or my child might need braces?

Common indicators include crowded or overlapping teeth, difficulty in chewing, frequent biting of the cheek, and misaligned jaws. An early consultation with an orthodontist can provide a comprehensive assessment.

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early detection can lead to more effective treatments.

Are braces only for cosmetic purposes?

No, braces not only enhance the appearance of your smile but also improve oral health by correcting bite issues, which can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and chewing difficulties.

How long does orthodontic treatment usually last?

The duration varies based on individual needs but typically ranges from 18 months to 3 years. Your orthodontist will provide a tailored treatment plan.

What are the alternatives to traditional metal braces?

Alternatives include clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. Each option has its advantages, and an orthodontist can recommend the best choice based on specific cases.

Will wearing braces be painful?

You may experience discomfort during the initial fitting and after adjustments, but this typically subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any soreness.

How should I care for my teeth while wearing braces?

Maintain regular brushing and flossing, avoid sticky or hard foods, and attend all scheduled orthodontic appointments to ensure effective treatment and oral health.