How is malocclusion diagnosed?

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 problems with speech, chewing or pain. Your dentist may suggest an 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.