It’s a common misconception that straightening teeth is purely cosmetic. Dr. Michael Durbin, who was recently elected president of the American Association of Orthodontists, spoke with Baltimore’s Child about the benefits of orthodontics for children — including improving breathing, sleep or speech.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Beyond aesthetics, why is orthodontic care important?
Correcting certain bite issues can significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma. By addressing these issues early, you’re not only enhancing a child’s smile, but also protecting their teeth for years to come.
Bite issues can make eating more difficult and even lead to digestive issues. Malocclusion, or a “bad bite,” can cause irregular tooth wear, which in a child may not be an issue, but over time can have an effect on the longevity of the teeth. Malocclusion can also interfere with the proper function of the oral structures, which can impact how a child speaks. Issues with breathing or sleeping may have an orthodontic component that can be addressed by expanding the upper jaw or aligning the teeth, but, in many cases, intervention by an ENT is indicated as well.
How can orthodontic treatment affect a child’s confidence?
A significant relationship has been reported between bullying and dentofacial disharmony. There is growing evidence that orthodontic treatment has a positive impact on a child’s emotional and social well-being.
Can orthodontic treatment help prevent future dental or medical issues?
Correction of a malocclusion may reduce the risk of injury to the teeth, uneven wear of the teeth, and may make it easier to brush and floss your teeth, which may have a corresponding decrease in tooth decay.
Crowded and misaligned teeth are harder to clean, raising the risk of periodontal (gum) disease. How does proper alignment affect a child’s long-term health?
It is sometimes difficult to make broad statements about how a particular child’s health will be affected long term by having a malocclusion. There has been much attention on the connection between oral health and total body health in the last several years. It is well established that there are systemic conditions that have an impact on oral health, such as dementia, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and dry mouth. What is less established is a causal connection between oral disease and whole-body health. Associations between periodontal (gum) disease and general wellness have been made, but a causal relationship has not been found yet. Inflammation caused by periodontal disease may add to the body’s general burden of disease. Further research is needed.
What advice would you give parents who are unsure about starting treatment for their child?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a screening exam at age 7.
This age is key because typically the front four baby teeth on the top and bottom have been replaced by the permanent teeth, giving the orthodontist the opportunity to evaluate for any crowding problems. It also allows the orthodontist to evaluate the bite and to start early treatment, if indicated, to address issues like a narrow top jaw or significant discrepancies between the top and bottom jaws. These issues, when addressed early, can avoid more lengthy or complex treatment in the future.
Michael Durbin | President of the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO)
Durbin, the AAO’s 2026–27 president, opened his practice in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1990 and has a long record of leadership, service and philanthropy in orthodontics and dentistry at the local, state, regional and national levels.
