Question
When is it most suitable for a child with misaligned teeth to undergo orthodontic treatment?
Answer
Generally, the best time to correct dental malocclusions is during the early stages of the permanent dentition, around 12 or 13 years old, when children have just completed their tooth replacement and are in the midst of their growth and development. Functional malocclusions often occur during the mixed dentition period (6-12 years), and if treatment is delayed, it may progress into skeletal malocclusions. Therefore, the optimal correction period should be during the mixed dentition phase. It is recommended to first visit a regular dental hospital for a check-up. Typically, a child’s teeth will form around the ages of 11 or 12, so an initial dental X-ray can be taken to assess the situation.