Crowding:

This is one of the most common reasons for early orthodontic treatment. Simply put, adult sized teeth are trying to fit in child sized jaws. This mismatch creates an obvious dental situation in which arch development, or widening, through orthodontic treatment is required to create space for permanent tooth eruption. Early correction can also prevent more serious complications such as tooth impactions.

Underbite:

The cause can be dental, skeletal, or a combination of the two. Early treatment is critical as the majority of upper jaw growth occurs around age 7. Tooth trauma and gum recession is also likely to occur as a result of this type of bite.

Gap Teeth:

A large gap between the upper front teeth will almost never close without braces. Most often the gap is caused by the lip attachment, or frenum, being positioned too far down between the teeth. The excessive spacing takes up too much space for other permanent teeth to otherwise erupt normally.

Open Bite:

Overbite:

Too much closure of the top teeth over the bottom teeth can cause gum damage to the roof of the mouth. It also causes the lower face to appear shorter and collapsed. It is important to correct a deep bite early to allow the back teeth to erupt normally, protect the health of the gums, and allow for better facial growth.

Crossbite:

Just like an underbite, the cause can be dental, skeletal, or a combination of the two. It also needs to be treated early for the same reasons. In addition, posterior crossbites also create crowding since the arch form is narrower than what it needs to be to match the larger arch form of the lower jaw.

Ectopic Eruption:

There are several reasons why a tooth will erupt in a location outside the normal position. Early alignment is critical while many baby teeth are falling out and permanent teeth are erupting.

Impacted & Missing Teeth:

Most of the time impacted or missing teeth are due to genetics and are best treated with early diagnosis. Timing of orthodontic treatment is critical in keeping treatment options available when all the other permanent teeth have erupted.