What is a common orthodontic goal for treating children?

In orthodontics, particularly for children, one of the primary goals is to align teeth adequately for health. This alignment is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for functional concerns such as proper biting, chewing, and speech. When teeth are properly aligned, it can help to prevent issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and abnormal wear of teeth, which may occur when teeth are misaligned. Maintaining good dental hygiene becomes easier when teeth are in a correct position, thus promoting overall oral health.

While achieving perfect symmetry can be an aspiration in orthodontic treatment, it is often impractical and not the main focus for most treatment plans. The aspect of jaw surgery is a consideration in complex cases, but the primary aim for many orthodontic treatments in children is to avoid such interventions through early correction. Cosmetic enhancement is certainly a benefit of orthodontics; however, it is not the sole aim, as health and function take precedence in developing treatment plans for children.