The Most Commonly Treated Orthodontic Problems in Children and Adults

All orthodontic conditions are as unique and varied as the patients involved, but there are some problems seen more frequently than others. These, too, vary with the patient base. For example, the most common problems for adults are different from those of children. The most common problems can also vary from one ethnic group to another, because many orthodontic problems are hereditary.

For children, the most common orthodontic problems are poor alignment of teeth due to crowding and protrusion of the upper front teeth ahead of the lower teeth (frequently called 'buck teeth') due to the lower jaw being shorter than the upper jaw. The main cause of crowding stems from teeth being larger than the amount of space available in the mouth. The causes for protrusion of the upper jaw can vary from patient to patient and include genetic growth patterns, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, airway obstructions that cause the child to breathe through the mouth and abnormal eruption of permanent teeth due to loss of baby teeth.

For adults, the most common treatments include correcting crowding or crooked teeth, closing spaces (old or new) between teeth, and correcting the position and alignment of teeth. Even when adult orthodontic problems are the same as those of children, the treatment is different because there is no jaw growth in adults, so problems that could be easily managed in a growing child (such as an upper jaw protrusion) may require surgery in an adult. Adults are also more likely to have gum or bone loss due to periodontal disease and worn, damaged or missing teeth.

Some of the more common orthodontic conditions (in children and adults) and the complications they can cause include:

Overjet (protruded front teeth) - Unattractive and prone to damage

Crowded Teeth - Unattractive, difficult to clean, bone damage and gum recession

Underbite (lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth) - Unattractive and uneven wear of the front teeth

Deepbite (upper front teeth cover the lower teeth) - Excessive wear of the front teeth and gum and bone damage behind the upper front teeth

Openbite (upper and lower teeth don't meet in front) - Eating problems, speech problems, and excessive wear of those teeth which do meet; unattractive

Crossbite (upper jaw is too narrow, so lower jaw swings to one side to allow the teeth to mesh) - Biting and chewing difficulties

Spacing (missing teeth or wide dental arch and small teeth) - Unattractive and allows teeth to shift out of position

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends age seven for a child's initial orthodontic evaluation. This can be sooner if the general dentist has concerns and wishes your child to be seen by an orthodontist before age seven. Keep in mind, however, a dentist's referral is not required for the initial examination. The orthodontist usually submits a written report of his or her findings to the patient's dentist. Inquire if this is done and request it if it is not.

Children and adults should have a recent (within last six months) cleaning and checkup with their dentist before scheduling an orthodontic evaluation. Whatever the orthodontic problem, the goal of all orthodontic treatment is to produce a healthy, well-functioning, stable bite.