Teeth can be moved and corrected at any age, and orthodontics allows their position in the bone to be modified. It is not the same if the position of the jaws needs to be corrected, as this requires the patient to have growth, which is known as maxillary orthopedics.
However, early treatment in children is ideal. Thus, early intervention can prevent the development of more complex treatments in the future.
Can the same type of orthodontics be used in adults and children?
The dental specialist decides and stipulates the technique used based on the patient’s age and needs.
However, in children, removable appliances (functional) and brackets are normally used in permanent dentition.
In the case of adults, fixed appliances are used, such as metal and esthetic multibrackets, self-ligating braces, invisible aligners, lingual orthodontics… In fact, in the case of adults, the most demanded orthodontics is invisible orthodontics, given the social and work needs of the adult world.
Orthodontics, esthetics and oral health
Orthodontics, whether designed for children or adults, fundamentally contribute three aspects:
- A beautiful smile, which becomes the calling card of each person. Everyone wants a beautiful smile.
- Healthy gums, since aligned teeth allow better cleaning, avoiding inflammation and possible bleeding.
- Correct function: making it possible to chew on both sides alternately, which is what the mouth is basically for.