What do we look for?


The American Association of Orthodontists recommends seeing children no later than 7 years old.  That does not mean that
everyone needs treatment at that time.  Actually we prefer to wait until all the adult teeth are in.  Some instances require
early intervention to correct current growth (i.e. expanders) or make future treatment easier (i.e. creating space due to
crowding).  Even though treatment may not be necessary at this age, it help us to locate the patients who would benefit from
early treatment.  In these cases if you wait until all the adult teeth are in, the correction will be much more difficult.  For
the most part, we get to build rapport with the patient and parents as well as monitor their jaw development.  There is no
charge for these appointments.  Here is what we look for in a nutshell:


Class I bite:   A Class I bite occurs when there is a normal relationship between the upper teeth and the lower
teeth (note vertical black line). The bite is balanced, which leads to reduced tooth wear over time.  Crowding or
spacing of the teeth can occur.







Class II bite:  A class II bite occurs when the lower teeth are behind the upper teeth. In this abnormal relationship,
the upper front teeth and jaw project further forward than the lower teeth and jaw. This can easily be seen when
an individual's top teeth protrude over the bottom teeth (an "overbite", or excessive overjet). Class II problems can
be due to insufficient growth of the lower jaw, an over growth of the upper jaw, or a combination of the two. In
many cases, Class II problems are genetically inherited and can be aggravated by environmental factors such as
finger sucking. Class II problems are treated in growing individuals through growth redirection to bring the upper
teeth, lower teeth, and jaws into harmony. This is a very common problem with orthodontic patients.








Class III bite:  A Class III bite occurs when the lower teeth are ahead of the upper teeth. In this abnormal
relationship, the lower teeth and jaw project further forward than the upper teeth and jaws (an "underbite", or
negative overjet). This is most obvious when looking at the profile because the chin appears too prominent. Class
III problems are usually due to an overgrowth in the lower jaw, undergrowth of the upper jaw, or a combination of
the above. Like Class II problems, they can be genetic or traumatic in nature.  These are not as common as the
first two bites.









Open bites:  Normally, the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth
slightly.  Sometimes, habits such as thumb-sucking or mouth-breathing
will cause the teeth to come apart.  This is something that you want to
correct sooner rather than later because the longer you wait, the harder
it may be to correct.  If it is cause by mouth breathing, a referral to the
ENT may be necessary so that abnormal jaw growth does not occur.


Crossbites:  Crossbites can occur in the front and/or the sides of
the mouth. One or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth.
This can occur with a single tooth or multiple teeth. Early correction of
crossbite is recommended.


Click here for a printable version of what I give referring dentists
Drs. Tottenham & Jennings Specialists in Orthodontics
Class I with crowding
Class I with spacing
Class II with excessive overjet (teeth protruding)
Class II with little overjet
Class III