Return to Menu What are some signs that braces may be needed?
• Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are “bucked” • Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite) • Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower-front teeth (underbite) • The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite) • Crowded or overlapped teeth • The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up • Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years of age • Difficulty chewing • Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively • The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together • Spaces between the teeth Return to Menu At what age should orthodontic treatment start? Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age, before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists
