At what age does a persons upper and lower jaw stop growing?!
Question:
At what age does a persons upper and lower jaw stop growing?
My daughters orthodontist is trying to get us to have her fitted
with a device that will supposedly stretch her upper jaw/facial
bones. He wants to do this because he said that at 11(her age) her upper jaw/facial bones are done growing, but her lower jaw is not. He says when she finishes with her lower braces her bottom teeth will stick way out making her look like a bulldog. He is quick to add that there is only a 20 to 30%
chance that it will work but if you give me $1000 cash we
can get started right away, and if we don't do it now she will
have to wait until she is 16 and then have her jaw broken to
correct the problem. I just can't believe that at 11 her upper
jaw/facial bones are done growing.
Answers:
Generally speaking the 11-12 yo range is a great time to have orthodontics. The treatment can help guide the bones developement during the pre-pubertal/pubertal growth spurt which usually peaks around 14 depending on genetics and overall physical health and gender.
Most orthodontist give a complimentary consultation; you can always get a second opinion.