The way the teeth come together is affected by both environmental and genetic factors. The size and shape of the face and jaw are different for each person and can be influenced by race and gender.
Having an orthodontic consultation is important by age 6-7 to make sure early orthodontic treatment isn’t required. Look for the following in your child’s teeth:
Normal Bite
Normal occlusion is where the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.
Underbite
All of the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth.
Open Bite
There is a space or opening between the upper and lower front teeth.
Crowding
Overlapped teeth may occur when there isn’t sufficient space.
Deep Bite
The upper front teeth cover too much of the lower teeth.
Anterior Crossbite
Some of the lower front teeth are in front of the upper teeth.
Posterior Crossbite
Some or all of the lower back teeth are to the outside of the upper back teeth.
Protrusion/Overbite
The upper teeth are too far forward or flared out.
Abnormal Eruption
Permanent teeth may erupt out of sequence or position if primary teeth are not lost in their normal sequence.
