Evaluation for Teens
Orthodontic evaluation during adolescence focuses on dental alignment, bite relationships, and how remaining facial growth influences treatment planning.
This stage often coincides with late or diminishing skeletal development, making timing an important consideration.
The goal is to determine how treatment is coordinated with remaining growth and biologic limits.
Treatment Pathways in Adolescence
There are two possible pathways based on clinical findings.
Active orthodontic treatment to align teeth and correct bite relationships within the limits of remaining growth and supporting bone.
Monitoring when immediate treatment is not indicated.
When Orthodontic Treatment May Be Recommended
Maxillary transverse deficiency. The upper arch is narrow relative to the lower arch.
Sagittal discrepancy. The upper and lower jaw relationship may present as increased overjet or an underbite.
Vertical discrepancy. The relationship between the upper and lower teeth may present as deep bite or open bite.
Arch space deficiency. Available space is insufficient to accommodate the dentition within the existing arch form.
Loss of arch space following exfoliation of the primary second molars. Increased risk of lower incisor crowding.
Screening Findings
Tongue thrust swallow may be present in association with malocclusion and may warrant myofunctional assessment.
Clenching or grinding may be present and may be associated with dental wear or muscle tenderness and may warrant behavioral guidance.
Mouth breathing or snoring may be present and may warrant airway screening and medical referral.
Treatment Considerations
Treatment is guided by remaining growth and dentofacial development.
Adolescence represents a transitional stage where remaining growth may allow limited enhancement of jaw relationships in selected cases.
Maxillary expansion may still be performed during growth, although skeletal response decreases with increasing midpalatal suture maturation.
After peak facial growth, the ability to guide jaw development decreases and treatment relies more on dental compensation.
Orthodontic treatment is limited to tooth movement within the supporting bone and does not alter inherent growth patterns.
Follow-up and Monitoring
When treatment is not initiated, follow-up visits are used to monitor growth, tooth eruption, and changes in bite relationships. Reassessment timing is based on developmental changes and clinical findings.
Explore related orthodontic information
Additional information about orthodontic care at different stages of development is available below.