Early Warning Signs Of Orthodontic Problems

By Author: Mark Stjean
Total Articles: 59
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Firstly, what is orthodontics? Orthodontics is the highly-specialized field of dentistry concerned with the straightening of teeth (malocclusions) to correct functional or cosmetic issues. Using specially designed and fitted appliances, (lingual braces, retainers or clear aligners) constant and gentle pressure is put on the teeth causing them to move into the desired position.

Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult. But children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics, because healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age.

It is not unusual to begin orthodontic treatment if one or more of the following early warning signs are seen:

- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Finger sucking or other oral habits that continue after 6 years of age
- Top front teeth that protrude
- Top front teeth cover more than 25% of the bottom teeth when biting
- Top front teeth go behind the bottom ...
... teeth when biting
- A space exists between top and bottom front teeth when biting
- Crowded, overlapped, misplaced teeth or extra teeth
- Teeth meet abnormally or don't meet at all
- Centre of top and bottom teeth don't line up
- Teeth wearing unevenly
- Baby teeth falling out too early
- Jaw joints that click or are painful
- Jaws that shift off centre when biting
- Speech difficulty
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth often
- Weak chin or a prominent chin
- Facial imbalance
- Jaws that protrude or recede
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Embarrassing teeth or smile often hidden by hands

Now, with the technological advances available in advanced dentistry no-one need even know you are wearing orthodontic braces.

So if you or your child has one or more of these early warning signs or orthodontic problems, make an appointment to see your dentist or orthodontist. The sooner you receive orthodontic treatment for these teeth alignment problems, the sooner you can light up a room with your beautiful smile, because everyone should love to smile!

Dr. Patricia J. Panucci DMD, MS is one of Southern California's most qualified orthodontic specialists. For more information about children's orthodontics contact Dr. Panucci at Beach Braces. www.BeachBraces.org because everyone should love to smile! Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B Manhattan Beach, CA 90266