Updated on June 20, 2024
7 min read

Orthodontic Treatment for Different Age Groups

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Orthodontics is a type of dentistry that deals with the alignment of teeth and jaws. It uses braces, aligners, and other tools to improve your bite, oral health, and appearance.

Orthodontic treatment for every stage of life offers several benefits beyond just a nice smile. It can prevent future dental issues like excessive wear on teeth, jaw pain, and TMJ disorders. 

In this article, we will explore different aspects of orthodontic treatment for every stage of life. This will include the types of appliances used, the benefits of early intervention, and the impact of orthodontics on children and adults.

Orthodontic Treatment for Children (Ages 7-10)

Early intervention can play an important role in your child’s oral health. Orthodontic treatment for children, also known as interceptive orthodontics or Phase 1 treatment, addresses dental issues before all their permanent teeth erupt.

This proactive approach can guide jaw growth, prevent future problems, and boost your child’s confidence with a healthy smile.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. At this age, an orthodontist can identify potential issues and determine if early treatment is necessary.

Common Orthodontic Issues Among Children

Interceptive orthodontics can address dental problems, including:

  • Crossbite — When the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting.
  • Overcrowding — When there is not enough space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws.
  • Underbite — When the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth are too far back.
  • Overbite — When the upper front teeth stick out too far over the lower teeth.

Benefits of Early Intervention

Addressing orthodontic problems early in your child’s development has many advantages. It can help guide the jaw’s growth, ensure enough space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, and prevent future complications.

Correcting bite issues early on also makes it easier for your child to maintain good oral hygiene, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Early treatment can also boost your child’s self-esteem by giving them a healthy smile they can be confident in.

Finally, addressing these issues early can minimize the need for more complex or extensive orthodontic treatments later in life.

Types of Early Orthodontic Appliances

Several appliances are used in early orthodontic treatment, including:

  • Palatal expanders — Devices that widen the upper jaw to correct crowding and crossbites. They are most effective before the bones have fully developed.
  • Headgear — Used to correct overbites or underbites by guiding the growth of the jaw.
  • Quad helix — An appliance used to expand the palate and correct posterior crossbites.
  • Functional appliances — Devices that guide the growth and alignment of the jaws, often used in combination with braces.

Orthodontic Treatment for Teens (Ages 11-19)

Teens today have many choices when it comes to straightening their smiles. From classic braces to nearly invisible aligners, orthodontic treatments can address various concerns and preferences.

Common Orthodontic Treatments for Teens

Traditional braces are the most common orthodontic treatment for teenagers. They consist of metal brackets and wires that are adjusted periodically to move teeth into their correct positions.

Modern braces are more comfortable and less noticeable than in the past, and there are options for colored bands to personalize the look.

Other orthodontic treatments teens can get include:

  • Clear aligners — They are a popular alternative to traditional braces and are nearly invisible, making them an attractive option for teens concerned about aesthetics.
  • Lingual braces — These are similar to traditional braces but are placed on the inside (lingual side) of the teeth, making them invisible from the outside.

Challenges Teen Orthodontic Treatment

One of the biggest challenges in orthodontic treatment for teenagers is ensuring compliance with the treatment plan.

This includes wearing rubber bands or other appliances as directed, maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent cavities and gum disease, and attending regular orthodontic appointments for adjustments.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment During Teen Years

The teenage years are an ideal window for orthodontic treatment. The body’s ongoing growth can be harnessed to achieve not only better but also faster results.

Orthodontic appliances can effectively guide jaw development during this period, simplifying bite correction. Additionally, teeth tend to move more readily during growth spurts, potentially leading to a shorter treatment duration.

Long-term benefits may include:

  • Improved oral health — Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
  • Enhanced functionality — Properly aligned teeth improve chewing and speaking abilities.
  • Prevention of future issues — Correcting bite and alignment issues early can prevent more severe problems, such as excessive wear on teeth, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
  • Boosted self-esteem — A well-aligned smile can enhance self-confidence and social interactions, positively impacting a teenager’s overall quality of life.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults (Ages 20-59)

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for children and teenagers. Today, 1 in every 4 orthodontic patients is an adult.

This increase is driven by a growing awareness of the benefits of orthodontic care, including improved dental health and aesthetics. Many adults seek treatment to correct issues such as crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth, which can lead to gum disease, cavities, and difficulties with chewing and speaking.

Orthodontic Treatments Suitable for Adults

Several orthodontic treatments for adults include:

  • Clear aligners — These are one of the most popular options for adults. These custom-made, removable dental appliances are nearly invisible and gradually shift teeth into place.
  • Ceramic braces — They function similarly to traditional metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with the teeth, making them less noticeable.
  • Lingual braces — They offer the effectiveness of traditional braces without visible metal brackets, making them an excellent choice for adults concerned about aesthetics.

Challenges of Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

While orthodontic treatment can address various dental issues and improve overall well-being, adults face unique considerations:

  • Longer treatment times — Developed bone structure and past dental work may extend treatment.
  • Increased risk of complications — Root resorption may require special monitoring. 
  • Balancing treatment with life — Aligning treatment plans with professional and social commitments can be challenging.

Orthodontic Treatment for Seniors (Ages 60 and up)

While maintaining good oral health is important throughout life, it becomes even more crucial for seniors. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, there are some factors to remember.

Age can cause changes in bone density and gum health, which can impact how teeth move and how well braces or aligners stay in place. A thorough dental exam is essential to ensure that your gums and jawbone are strong enough to support treatment.

Existing medical conditions, such as osteoporosis or diabetes, can influence dental health and the success of orthodontics. A complete review of your medical history allows your orthodontist to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses all your needs.

Benefits of Senior Orthodontic Treatment for Overall Oral Health

Orthodontic treatment can offer significant benefits for seniors, including:

  • Improved oral hygiene — Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
  • Enhanced functionality — Correcting misaligned teeth can improve chewing and speaking abilities, which is important for maintaining a healthy diet and overall well-being.
  • Pain relief — Addressing issues like malocclusion can alleviate pain in the jaw, neck, and head, improving the quality of life.
  • Boosted self-confidence — A straighter smile can enhance self-esteem and social interactions, contributing to better mental health.

Common Orthodontic Treatments for Seniors

Seniors seeking straighter smiles can consider clear aligners. They allow for easy cleaning and unrestricted eating.

Limited braces are also ideal for targeted adjustments. They can be metal, ceramic, or lingual (placed behind teeth) and offer more discreet treatment than traditional braces.

Impact on Prosthetics

Orthodontic treatment can sometimes require adjustments to existing dental prosthetics among seniors.

Partial dentures, for instance, might need to be refitted or even remade entirely to ensure a proper fit after your teeth have moved. Coordinating with a prosthodontist throughout the process is still important.

Careful planning is crucial to ensure surrounding teeth can be aligned correctly without compromising a person’s oral health.

Last updated on June 20, 2024
7 Sources Cited
Last updated on June 20, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
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