If you notice any of these problems in yourself or your child, you should make an appointment to see an orthodontist:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Sucking thumb, fingers, or lower lip
  • Crowded or blocked out teeth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Facial asymmetry or irregular jaw relationship
  • Excessive overbite or underbite
  • Jaws that pop, make noise, or are painful
  • Grinding or clenching teeth
  • Abnormal wear of teeth
  • Inability to comfortably close lips

There are some problems that should be corrected early, so be sure to take your child to see an orthodontist around the age of 7 as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists.