Orthodontic treatment during adolescence plays a
pivotal role in establishing a stable and functional
occlusion, essential for long-term oral health and
masticatory efficiency. This critical growth period offers an
opportunity to guide craniofacial development and dental
eruption patterns, enabling the correction of malocclusions
and the harmonization of dental and skeletal relationships.
Achieving functional occlusion involves not only the
alignment of teeth but also the coordination of occlusal
forces, optimal intercuspation, and proper
temporomandibular joint function. This article reviews the
biomechanical and developmental principles underlying
orthodontic treatment in adolescents, highlights the criteria
for stable functional occlusion, and discusses clinical
strategies to minimize relapse. Evidence suggests that
timely intervention and individualized treatment planning
contribute significantly to long-term occlusal stability and
improved functional outcomes.