Objective To analyze the effect of early functional orthodontic technology in pediatric orthodontics. Methods A total of 73 children who orthodontic treatment in our hospital from January 2020 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects, and they were divided into the control group (n =36) and the observation group (n =37) by the random number table method. The control group received conventional orthodontic treatment, and the observation group received early functional orthodontic technology treatment. The dental alignment effect, imaging indexes and occlusal relationship were compared between the two groups. Results The rate of dental alignment and the rate of facial profile improvement in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After orthodontics, the SNA angle, SNB angle and ANB angle in the two groups were lower than those before orthodontics, and those in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After orthodontics, the maximum occlusal force time and maximum occlusal force in the two groups were better than those before orthodontics, and those in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The application of early functional orthodontic technology in pediatric orthodontics has a good effect. It can promote jaw development, improve facial profile, and is beneficial for the dental alignment of children. Meanwhile, it can restore normal occlusal relationship and function, with definite application value.