Adolescent dentition (10-13+ years old)

When most parents think of orthodontic treatment, they often picture adolescent teeth. Children enter their permanent dentition once they have lost their last baby teeth, which is the ideal stage for comprehensive treatment using fixed or removable appliances.

There is typically a three-year window for this transition. Some children may have lost all their baby teeth by age 10, while others may still have several at age 12—both are usually normal. However, if baby teeth remain after age 13, this can signal a potential issue, and preventive intervention is often recommended.

The main goals of treatment during the permanent dentition stage include achieving healthy tooth positions and bite alignment (how the teeth come together), straightening the teeth, and enhancing the appearance of the smile. Most commonly, this involves the use of fixed or removable braces to gradually move the teeth into their ideal positions.

If you’d like your child to have an orthodontic screening, please contact us to schedule an appointment.