Orthodontics for adolescents

The majority of patients in need of orthodontic treatment are treated during the adolescence. If none of the conditions described above are present, it is more time efficient to perform treatment in a single phase, once all the permanent teeth have erupted. On average, eruption of the permanent teeth is completed between the age of 11 and 12 but variations are common. This time period coincides with puberty, a period of active growth. Orthodontic treatment performed at that time thus facilitates the correction of certain problems in jaw relationships.

Malocclusion (teeth in the wrong position and that do not fit well together) and problems in the growth of the jaws are in part attributable to our genetic heritage and in part to our interaction with the environment. Jaw relationship problems, the absence of certain permanent teeth or the presence of supernumary (extra) teeth are all conditions often encountered in members of the same family. On the other hand, tooth position is much more affected by the interaction of the teeth with their immediate environment. Problems in the pattern of swallowing or breathing, bad habits such a thumb sucking, premature loss of primary teeth, presence of extensive decay and trauma at a young age are all examples of factors affecting the position of the adult teeth.

Although a perfect occlusion is rare and is not of absolute requirement to insure a functional and healthy dentition, orthodontic correction is necessary in many situations. For example, the absence of contacts between the upper and lower teeth can affect the way sounds are produced and decrease chewing efficacy. Excessive protrusion of the upper front teeth, as previously mentioned, increases the risk of trauma to these teeth.

This condition is often accompanied by an excessive eruption of the lower front teeth which can then end up touching the gum tissues behind the upper teeth, causing constant swelling and bleeding of the gums. Teeth that a misaligned are difficult to keep clean, thus increasing the risk of caries and gum disease. Finally, the impact of an ugly smile must not be underestimated on the emotional well-being of a child. Starting during adolescence, the child becomes more self-conscious of his or her appearance. If he or she is embarrassed by his or her smile, a loss of confidence can ensue, negatively impacting his or her psychosocial development.