Jaw Alignment in Children vs Adults: 5 Key Differences in Orthodontic Treatment

TL;DR

• Jaw alignment affects chewing, smile, and overall oral health, and treatment differs between children and adults.
• Common differences include:

• Growth and Development: Children’s bones are soft and adaptable, while adults have denser bone structure.
• Treatment Duration and Complexity: Children’s treatments are generally quicker and more predictable. Adults often require longer, more challenging procedures with higher discomfort.
• Complications and Considerations: Adults face higher risks from prior dental work, gum disease, root resorption, and TMD, whereas children rarely have these issues.
• Timing: Early evaluation by age seven helps catch alignment issues in children; adults have limited options as jaw growth is complete.
• Treatment Goals and Outcomes: Treatment in children aims to prevent serious misalignment. Meanwhile, treatment in adults focuses on function and aesthetics.

How Age Affects Orthodontic Treatment

Jaw alignment plays a critical role in how teeth fit together, how comfortably you chew, and even how your smile looks. Both children and adults can face jaw misalignment, but the approach to correction differs greatly depending on age. Since children’s bones are still growing, orthodontists can use that growth to guide alignment more easily. Adults, on the other hand, have fully developed jaws, which can make treatment more complex and time-consuming.

Many families often wonder whether orthodontic treatment is best pursued during childhood or whether adults can achieve similar results later in life. To help answer this, we’ll break down five key differences between jaw alignment for children and adults.

5 Key Differences in Child vs Adult Orthodontics

Here are five key reasons why orthodontic treatment differs between children and adults:

1. Growth and Development

The single most important distinction between children and adults in orthodontic treatment is jaw growth.

• Children: Since their jaws are still developing, orthodontists can guide this growth using expanders, braces, or aligners. The bones are softer and more adaptable, making treatment predictable and efficient.

• Adults: By adulthood, the jawbones are set. This means appliances can move teeth but not reshape the jaw itself. For significant misalignment, adults may need orthognathic (jaw) surgery in addition to orthodontics.

In short, children benefit from the natural plasticity of their bones, while adults must rely on more advanced, and sometimes invasive, methods.

2. Treatment Duration and Complexity

Another clear difference lies in how long treatment takes and how complex it becomes.

• Children: Since their teeth and jaws are still shifting naturally, braces and aligners often work more quickly. Treatment can be completed in a shorter timeframe, and results are usually stable.
• Adults: Treatment may take longer, sometimes two to three years, depending on the severity of misalignment. Adults also tend to experience more discomfort because their bone density is higher, making tooth movement slower and more resistant.

This is why many parents choose jaw alignment treatment for children before adolescence. It not only shortens treatment time but also reduces the chances of needing more invasive corrections later.

3. Complications and Considerations

Adults often face hurdles that children typically do not encounter, such as:

• Previous Dental Work: Crowns, bridges, or implants may restrict the movement of certain teeth.

• Gum Health Issues: Periodontal disease and bone loss can complicate orthodontics.

• Root Resorption: Adults are at a higher risk of root resorption, a condition where the body absorbs part of the tooth root, weakening its stability
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): TMD affects the jaw joint and muscles, making chewing and orthodontic adjustments more difficult.

Children rarely present with these complications. That’s why investing in jaw alignment services for children during their growth years can prevent many of these adult challenges.

4. Timing

Timing is critical in orthodontics. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first evaluation by age 7. At this stage, orthodontists can see how adult teeth are erupting and how the jaws are growing.

For example, if a child has a crossbite, an expander can correct it before the jaw finishes developing. If left untreated until adulthood, the same issue might require surgery.

Adults can certainly benefit from orthodontic evaluations, too; however, since growth is typically complete, options may be limited. This makes early jaw alignment for children a proactive and cost-effective choice.

5. Treatment Goals and Outcomes

While both groups can achieve healthy, aligned jaws, the focus of treatment often differs.

• Children: The main goal is to guide growth and prevent serious misalignment. Treatment may involve bite correction, space maintenance, or early orthodontic treatment to establish a solid foundation for a healthy smile. Long-term stability is often excellent because the corrections are made during development.

• Adults: The emphasis is often on correcting functional issues (like difficulty chewing) or improving appearance after years of misalignment. While outcomes are still positive, adults sometimes face a higher risk if retainers are not worn consistently.

Both children and adults can benefit from modern options such as Invisalign. Consulting an experienced Invisalign dentist ensures the right balance between comfort, aesthetics, and effectiveness.

Conclusion

While orthodontic care can help patients at any age, there are important distinctions between treating children and adults. Children’s growing jaws make them ideal candidates for early intervention, allowing orthodontists to correct problems quickly and effectively. Adults, meanwhile, can still achieve excellent results, but the process may take longer and require more advanced techniques.

If you’re exploring jaw alignment for children or considering treatment for yourself as an adult, RiverRock Dental is here to guide you. As your trusted Shakopee dentist, we offer comprehensive orthodontic solutions tailored to each age group. Call us at (952) 445-5556 or visit us at 403 1st Ave East, Shakopee, MN, 55379 to schedule a consultation today.

FAQs

1. What are the main differences in jaw alignment treatment between children and adults?
   Children’s treatment leverages natural growth to guide jaw development, while adults rely on mechanical movement of teeth or, in some cases, surgery.
2. Why is orthodontic treatment typically faster in children than in adults?
   Children’s bones are softer and less dense, allowing appliances to shift teeth more quickly. Adults have denser bone structure, which slows the process and requires stronger forces.
3. Are there any orthodontic conditions that are easier to treat in children compared to adults?
   Yes. Certain orthodontic issues, such as crossbites, crowding, and spacing, are easier to treat in children. Their growing jaws allow appliances to guide alignment, whereas adults often need extractions or surgical intervention for the same conditions.
4. Can adults benefit from jaw alignment treatment even though their jaws are no longer growing?
   Absolutely. Adults can achieve straighter teeth, better bite function, and improved oral health. The main difference is that their treatment may involve more time, higher cost, and additional procedures.
5. Is there an ideal age to begin orthodontic evaluation for jaw alignment issues?
   Yes. Around age seven, orthodontists can detect early warning signs and intervene at the right stage. This doesn’t always mean treatment starts immediately, but it ensures that problems are identified before they become severe.