What is the best age for orthodontic teeth correction?
Disease description:
My child's teeth are not straight. I've heard that there is an optimal age for orthodontic treatment. I would like to ask if it's suitable for my child to undergo orthodontic correction now. When exactly is the best time for orthodontic treatment to achieve the most effective results?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao
There is no definitive answer to the question of "what is the best age for orthodontic treatment." Generally speaking, as long as the conditions are met, orthodontic treatment can be performed at any age.
For functional deformities, such as those caused by不良 habits or disharmonious jaw development, intervention during the mixed dentition stage in children (8–10 years old) is more appropriate. At this stage, the jaws are still actively growing, and functional appliances can help guide normal jaw development, improving facial profile and occlusion.
For dental deformities, orthodontic treatment is generally recommended during the early permanent dentition stage, around 11–13 years of age. By this time, all primary teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth, making dental deformities more apparent. Additionally, the child's jaws still have some growth potential, allowing orthodontic treatment to effectively align the teeth and correct the bite.
Although adults have passed their peak growth period, their alveolar bones still retain remodeling capacity. Therefore, orthodontic treatment can be performed at any adult age. However, orthodontic treatment usually takes longer for adults, typically requiring 1.5 to 3 years, and may be complicated by issues such as periodontal disease, increasing treatment complexity.
Childhood and adolescence represent the optimal window for correcting most dental deformities, allowing full utilization of growth potential for better outcomes. For adults, orthodontic treatment should be planned based on individual needs and health status, with customized treatment strategies developed accordingly.
