Active plates are used for tooth movement in which age group?

Active plates are used for tooth movement in which age group?

• A. Preadolescents
• B. Adolescents
• C. Adults
• D. Infants

Answer: (A)

Active plates move teeth by using springs attached to a palatal plate to apply controlled forces while the jaws are still growing. This leverages ongoing growth and alveolar remodeling, which makes tooth movement more efficient and predictable in growing children. The ideal window for this approach is preadolescence, when there is enough dentition and eruption activity to guide changes and the skeletal bases are still expandable. In infants the dentition and occlusal relationships aren’t ready for this type of appliance, and in adults growth has ceased, reducing the effectiveness of active plates for skeletal changes and often requiring different treatment approaches.

Active plates move teeth by using springs attached to a palatal plate to apply controlled forces while the jaws are still growing. This leverages ongoing growth and alveolar remodeling, which makes tooth movement more efficient and predictable in growing children. The ideal window for this approach is preadolescence, when there is enough dentition and eruption activity to guide changes and the skeletal bases are still expandable. In infants the dentition and occlusal relationships aren’t ready for this type of appliance, and in adults growth has ceased, reducing the effectiveness of active plates for skeletal changes and often requiring different treatment approaches.