Youths and Adolescents

Some patients do not require early treatment and it is better to wait until most of their permanent teeth have erupted to start treatment. It is important that treatment begin before the pubertal growth spurt so that the maximum correction and benefit can be attained; especially if there are jaw growth problems. Treatment during this period provides an opportunity to favorably influence the facial profile in a growing person. Once growth of the facial bones is complete, correction of jaw discrepancies will usually require surgery, so see the orthodontist sooner rather than later. Although orthodontic treatment results in better function of the teeth and jaws, you cannot underestimate the value of a more attractive smile and the increase in self-confidence and interpersonal effectiveness that it brings.