Another advantage to early orthodontic care is to attempt to correct misaligned permanent teeth while the child is still growing. Moving teeth through growing bone may allow for a decrease in treatment time and a probable more stable result. Techniques used to correct such problems include braces, retainers or functional appliances. Different techniques are used for each problem. Braces may be used to move teeth in almost any direction.
Retainers can also move teeth, but have certain limitations.
Specifically, they can tip and rotate teeth to a limited degree but do not move roots. Functional appliances have other limitations but can influence bone growth. The cost of early treatment is considerably less than comprehensive treatment later. Treatment at an early age may correct a problem so that braces will not be needed or needed only for a limited time in the future. Orthodontic treatment has improved over the years and new technology has allowed treatment to be faster, considerably more comfortable and less costly.