EARLY CHILDHOOD ORTHODONTICS:

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF TWO-PHASE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life. We are also able to avoid extractions of permanent teeth.

WHAT IF I PUT OFF TREATMENT
The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and having only one phase of treatment for someone with a jaw discrepancy or severe crowding is facing the possibility of a compromised result that may not be stable, and a negative change in your adult face from possible extractions.

FIRST PHASE TREATMENT:

YOUR FOUNDATION FOR A LIFETIME OF BEAUTIFUL TEETH
The goal of first phase treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children after age 7 are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment.

PLANNING NOW CAN SAVE YOUR SMILE LATER
Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established, providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe achieve an ideal result with braces.

MAKING RECORDS TO DETERMINE YOUR UNIQUE TREATMENT
Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine the type of appliances to be used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records consist of models of the teeth, x-rays, and photographs.

RESTING PERIOD
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement while final eruption of teeth occurs. A successful first phase will have created room for teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced.

MONITORING YOUR TEETH’S PROGRESS
In other words, at the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. This will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment. Periodical recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.

SECOND PHASE TREATMENT:

STAY HEALTHY & LOOK ATTRACTIVE
The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly.

MOVEMENT & RETENTION
At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan were established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase, as dictated by the problem. The second phase is initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 18 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.

TEEN ORTHODONTICS

There are several good reasons why early teen years are the optimal time for orthodontic treatment, though occasionally even earlier intervention is called for. One has to do with the development of the teeth. Typically, between the ages of 11-13 most or all of the baby teeth have fallen out and most of the permanent teeth have come in. This is the time when we can go to work correcting the problems that cause a poor bite (malocclusion), improper tooth spacing or poor alignment.

Orthodontic problems don’t improve with age, they simply become harder to treat. It’s easier to treat many orthodontic problems during early teen years because the body is still growing rapidly at this time. Whether we use standard braces, appliances like palatal expanders, or Clear Aligner Treatment we can create an improved appearance and function in a short period of time. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed, many conditions become more difficult (and costly) to treat.