Q.  WHAT IS CROWDING?

 A.  Crowding occurs when the dental arch is small and/or the teeth are large.  Poor biting relationships and undesirable appearances may result from crowding.    

Q.  WHAT IS AN OVERBITE?

A.  An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth in a vertical dimension.  The lower front teeth may impinge upon the palatal tissue causing gum loss and discomfort.  A deep bite may also contribute to excessive wear of the incisor teeth.

Q.  ARE CROSSBITES BAD?

A.  Crossbites of back teeth and front teeth can lead to gum/bone loss and positional shifting of the lower jaw.  Crossbites never self correct and can be corrected with a palatal expander.

Q.  AT WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD BE SEEN?

A.  The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child should be examined by an orthodontist at age 7.