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Take
the smile test
It is estimated that around 60% of people have an improper bite that could benefit from orthodontic treatment. If you “Yes” to any of the following questions, it may be because your bite is not quite right. Have a look at your (or your child’s) smile in the mirror and check for the following:
A. From the front:
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Children embarrassed or shy about smiling. |
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Crooked and twisted teeth. |
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Top teeth that stick out (buck teeth). |
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Spaced teeth with gaps. |
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Extra teeth. |
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Cavities (dark holes) on baby teeth. |
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Baby teeth falling out too early or too late (see Development of the teeth) for ages. |
B. When the teeth are together (biting on the back teeth):
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Having to shift the teeth around to get a comfortable bite. |
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Top teeth that cover more than 1/3 of the bottom teeth (a deep bite). |
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Top front teeth (one or more) growing behind the bottom front teeth. |
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Centres of the top and bottom front teeth that don’t line up with each other. |
C. Finger-sucking habits that continue past 8 years of age.
Orthodontics can improve your smile and your dental health considerably by correcting problems such as crooked or spaced teeth, crowding or improper bites. See here for a patient with well aligned teeth and a good occlusion.
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