Your teenager may smile, talk, eat, and play sports every day without complaining about their teeth. So, as a parent, it can be easy to assume everything is fine.
But some orthodontic problems in teens aren’t obvious at first glance. A bite can look fairly normal from the front while teeth are becoming crowded, a permanent tooth is struggling to erupt, or the upper and lower jaws aren’t fitting together properly.
That’s one reason an orthodontic evaluation can be valuable during the teen years. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) notes that concerns such as delayed tooth eruption, crowding, overbites, underbites, and missing or extra teeth can be signs that orthodontic care may be appropriate.
For families in Spring, The Woodlands, Klein, and the surrounding North Houston communities, knowing what to watch for can help you decide when it’s worth scheduling a professional evaluation.
1. Crowding That Seems to Be Getting Worse
One of the most common orthodontic problems in teens is dental crowding.
You may notice:
- Teeth beginning to overlap
- One tooth appearing pushed behind another
- Difficulty flossing between certain teeth
- Teeth that look increasingly “packed together”
- A permanent tooth taking longer than expected to appear
Crowding can become more noticeable as permanent teeth come in and the jaws continue developing.
It isn’t always something parents can accurately judge by looking at a smile, which is why an orthodontist can evaluate tooth position, jaw development, and available space.
2. An Overbite or Underbite That Isn’t Getting Better
Does your teen’s upper jaw seem to sit significantly ahead of the lower teeth? Or do the lower teeth extend in front of the upper teeth?
These can be signs of an overbite or underbite.
Some bite differences are subtle, so teenagers may not consider them a problem. However, bite alignment is about more than appearance. An orthodontic evaluation looks at how the teeth meet and function together.
If you’ve noticed your teen’s bite changing as they’ve grown, don’t simply assume they’ll “grow out of it.”
3. Delayed or Difficult Tooth Eruption
Another problem parents can easily overlook is a permanent tooth that isn’t erupting on schedule.
You might notice that:
- One side has a permanent tooth while the other doesn’t
- A baby tooth remains unusually long
- A permanent tooth appears to be coming in at an unusual angle
- Your teen has a noticeable gap where a tooth should be
Delayed or abnormal eruption can have several causes. An orthodontist can use clinical examination and imaging when appropriate to determine what’s happening.
The AAO specifically lists delayed or late eruption of adult teeth among reasons a child or teen may benefit from orthodontic evaluation.
4. A Crossbite or Bite That Shifts to One Side
Crossbites are another of the orthodontic problems in teens that may not be immediately obvious.
A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them when the mouth closes.
Parents might notice that their teen:
- Shifts their jaw when biting down
- Chews more comfortably on one side
- Has teeth that don’t meet evenly
- Has a smile that appears slightly uneven
A professional examination is the best way to determine whether a crossbite is present and whether treatment is appropriate.
5. Teeth Grinding, Jaw Discomfort, or Unusual Wear
Not every orthodontic concern involves visibly crooked teeth.
Some teenagers grind or clench their teeth, sometimes without realizing it. Signs can include worn tooth surfaces, morning jaw soreness, headaches, or a family member hearing grinding at night.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) notes that bruxism can occur in children and adults and that more severe cases may contribute to tooth damage, jaw pain, tiredness, or headaches.
However, parents shouldn’t assume that orthodontic treatment is automatically the answer to jaw pain or grinding. These symptoms deserve an appropriate dental or medical evaluation.
Quick Guide: What Parents Should Watch For
| What You Notice | What It Could Indicate | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Overlapping teeth | Crowding | Schedule an orthodontic evaluation |
| Upper teeth noticeably ahead | Overbite | Have the bite assessed |
| Lower teeth ahead of upper teeth | Underbite | Ask an orthodontist about evaluation |
| Permanent tooth not appearing | Delayed eruption | Discuss with your dentist or orthodontist |
| Jaw shifts while biting | Possible crossbite | Request a professional evaluation |
| Worn teeth or morning jaw soreness | Possible bruxism | Discuss symptoms with a dental professional |
Why Teen Years Are an Important Time to Pay Attention
The teen years bring significant changes to the teeth and jaws. That’s why orthodontic problems in teens can sometimes become easier to recognize during this stage of development.
At Auburn Lakes Orthodontics, treatment planning isn’t based solely on whether teeth “look crooked.” Dr. Blake Sherrick, a Board Certified Orthodontist, evaluates each patient’s developing smile and uses advanced imaging and treatment-planning technology to create individualized care plans. The practice serves families throughout Spring, The Woodlands, Klein, and nearby North Houston communities.
That personalized approach matters because two teenagers with similar-looking smiles may have very different orthodontic needs.
Don’t Wait for Your Teen to Complain
One of the biggest challenges with orthodontic problems in teens is that teenagers don’t always notice them—or they may notice but simply not mention them.
A teen may think:
“My teeth have always looked like this.”
“It doesn’t hurt, so it must be fine.”
“I’ll deal with it later.”
But orthodontic concerns don’t always cause pain. A professional evaluation can help determine whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all.
For parents in Spring and The Woodlands, that can provide something even more valuable than an immediate treatment plan: clarity about what’s happening with your teenager’s smile.
Trusted U.S. Dental Health Resources
When researching your teen’s oral health, stick with reliable sources. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes of Health, provides evidence-based information on oral and craniofacial health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides oral-health resources for children and adolescents.
The American Association of Orthodontists is another useful professional resource for understanding orthodontic concerns and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common orthodontic problems in teens?
Common concerns include crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, spacing problems, and delayed eruption of permanent teeth. An orthodontic evaluation can determine whether a specific concern requires treatment.
2. Does my teen need braces if their teeth look mostly straight?
Not necessarily. Orthodontists evaluate more than the visible appearance of the front teeth. Bite alignment, jaw relationships, tooth eruption, and spacing can also affect treatment recommendations.
3. When should parents take a teen to an orthodontist?
If you notice significant crowding, bite changes, delayed tooth eruption, jaw shifting, or other concerns, it’s reasonable to schedule an evaluation. The AAO recommends an initial orthodontic checkup by age 7, but teenagers who haven’t had an evaluation can still benefit from being assessed.
4. Can orthodontic problems in teens be treated with Invisalign?
Invisalign may be an option for some teenagers, depending on their orthodontic needs, compliance, and treatment goals. An orthodontist should determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for the individual case.
5. What happens during a teen orthodontic evaluation?
The orthodontist examines the teeth and bite and may use digital imaging to evaluate tooth position and jaw development. At Auburn Lakes Orthodontics, Dr. Blake Sherrick uses advanced technology to help develop personalized treatment recommendations.
Why Choose Us for Your Teen?
At Auburn Lakes Orthodontics, the goal isn’t simply to straighten teeth. The practice focuses on personalized orthodontic care designed around each patient’s smile, bite, growth, and lifestyle.
Whether your teen may need traditional braces, clear braces, clear aligners, or another orthodontic approach, Dr. Blake Sherrick and the team can evaluate the situation and explain your options.
If you’ve noticed any of these orthodontic problems in teens, don’t wait until your teenager’s next complaint. Contact Auburn Lakes Orthodontics at 281-656-9102 to learn more about scheduling an orthodontic evaluation.