What is the best age for orthodontic treatment?

Nov 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

Between the ages of 12 and 15, permanent teeth have generally fully erupted, and symptoms of poor tooth alignment gradually become apparent, allowing for a decision on whether orthodontic treatment is needed following a doctor's evaluation. Orthodontic treatment during this stage benefits from greater dental plasticity, faster growth rates of teeth and jaws, and increased sensitivity to corrective forces, which collectively lead to relatively shorter recovery times.

Generally speaking, there is no absolute "best age" for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics involves wearing various corrective appliances to apply continuous traction force on the teeth, alveolar bone, and jawbones, aiming to restore normal occlusion. The typical reference cost for orthodontic treatment ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 yuan per course. Noticeable improvement usually appears within 1–2 years, although possible side effects such as infection or inflammatory reactions may occur. However, undergoing orthodontic treatment between the ages of 12 and 15 is considered ideal. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Between the ages of 12 and 15, permanent teeth have generally fully erupted, and symptoms of malocclusion or misaligned teeth become increasingly apparent, allowing dentists to evaluate whether orthodontic intervention is necessary. Moreover, during this period, teeth are more malleable, and both dental and jawbone growth proceed rapidly. Teeth also respond more sensitively to corrective forces, which can shorten the overall treatment duration. Therefore, orthodontic treatment during ages 12 to 15 is considered optimal.

It is recommended to visit a reputable medical institution and undergo treatment under the guidance of a qualified dentist to ensure effectiveness and safety. During orthodontic treatment, maintain good daily habits, pay attention to oral hygiene, and avoid consuming excessive amounts of hard or chewy foods to prevent damage to the orthodontic appliances.

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How to correct crooked teeth

Generally, methods for correcting malocclusion include conventional orthodontics, wire braces, invisible aligners, dental crowns, and surgical correction. Avoid chewing excessively hard or cold foods to prevent irritation to the teeth. Additionally, correct不良 habits such as lip biting, finger sucking, and mouth breathing, as these behaviors may cause or exacerbate dental malocclusion.

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What is the optimal age for early orthodontic treatment?

Early intervention in the medical field primarily includes two areas: oral orthodontics and pediatric rehabilitation. The early orthodontic treatment phase for primary dentition is between ages 3-6; for mixed dentition, it is between ages 6-12; and for early permanent dentition, it is between ages 12-15. Postural and motor function correction is typically conducted between ages 0-3, while language and cognitive correction occurs between ages 1-6.