During treatment in adolescence, what is the primary dentition stage focused on?

The focus during orthodontic treatment in adolescence is primarily on the permanent dentition stage. This is because, by adolescence, most individuals have begun the transition from primary (deciduous) teeth to permanent teeth. Generally, the mixed dentition phase, where children have both primary and permanent dentition, occurs in earlier childhood, typically around ages 6-12.

By the time a patient reaches adolescence, they have usually lost most of their primary teeth, and the majority of the permanent teeth have erupted. This is a critical period for orthodontic treatment, as the permanent dentition is often more stable and provides better opportunities for alignment and occlusion improvement. Additionally, addressing issues such as crowding, spacing, and bite discrepancies is most effectively accomplished during this stage where the foundation of the permanent dentition is established.

Therefore, understanding the status of the permanent dentition is essential for diagnosing orthodontic needs and planning effective treatment strategies that will influence dental alignment and occlusion in adulthood. While other stages such as deciduous dentition or transitional dentition may have their significance, the priority in adolescence lies in the management of the permanent teeth.