How do I know I need orthodontic treatment?

  • Presence of overbite (upper teeth cover lower teeth when jaw is closed).
  • Presence of underbite (the reverse).
  • Presence of open bite (teeth do not touch when jaw is closed).
  • Presence of cross bite (teeth do not meet evenly when jaw is closed).
  • Uneven gaps between teeth or tooth crowding/overlapping.
  • Teeth that protrude forward or back.
  • Baby teeth that do not fall out on schedule.
  • Ongoing issue with thumb (or finger) sucking past age 2 or 3.
  • Bite does not line up evenly down the center of the mouth.
  • Obvious tooth wear and tear.
  • Pain, grinding or difficulty chewing food.
  • Jaw joint shifts, locks or slides out of socket.