Objective To explore the effect of straight-wire orthodontic technology on masticatory and swallowing functions and aesthetic effect in children with dental malocclusion during the mixed dentition period. Methods A total of 70 children with dental malocclusion during the mixed dentition period who were admitted to the Department of Stomatology, Guangyuan Central Hospital from October 2023 to June 2024 were selected, and they were divided into the control group and the observation group by the random number table method, with 35 children in each group. The control group received stainless steel wire orthodontic technology, and the observation group received straight-wire orthodontic technology. The clinical efficacy, masticatory and swallowing functions, aesthetic effect and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was 94.29%, which was higher than 77.14% in the control group (P <0.05). The masticatory efficiency and swallowing function after treatment in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P <0.05). The aesthetic effect score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P <0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group was 2.86%, which was lower than 17.14% in the control group (P <0.05). Conclusion The application of straight-wire orthodontic technology in the correction of dental malocclusion in children during the mixed dentition period has good clinical efficacy and safety. The masticatory and swallowing functions of patients recover well, and good aesthetic effects can be achieved.