Malocclusion and Orthodontics
Exams and Tests
During routine dental visits, your dentist typically looks for developing malocclusion. Talk with your dentist about any oral habits (such as a child's use of a pacifier) or difficulties with speech, chewing, or pain. Your dentist may suggest an orthodontic evaluation.
Orthodontic evaluation
An orthodontist will:
- Ask questions about your or your child's medical and dental history. He or she may ask if you have any allergies, especially to latex or nickel.
- Conduct a clinical exam, looking at the:
- Condition of teeth and gums.
- Jaw structure.
- Placement of the teeth in the jawbone.
- Fit between the upper and lower teeth.
- Jaw joint function.
- Take dental X-rays, including panoramic (full view) and profile X-rays, to check the jawbone and dental structure and to identify:
- Where the permanent teeth are in relation to the primary (baby) teeth.
- Any missing teeth or teeth that are blocked and unable to come in properly (impacted).
- The condition of the roots.
- The amount of bone supporting the teeth.
- Estimate a child's skeletal age and projected growth using an X-ray image of the wrist (hand-wrist radiograph).
- Photograph the face and teeth.
- Create a plaster model of the teeth.
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| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: February 5, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics | |
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