First things first
Early orthodontic treatment is intended to correct existing or developing problems, such as skeletal, dentoalveolar or muscular imbalances. Early treatment often reduces or eliminates the need for tooth extraction or corrective jaw surgery in the future and may also reduce your child’s need for additional orthodontic treatment to align their teeth and smile.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a treatment plan involving two treatment stages. Early treatment, also known as Phase One treatment, is performed when a child has primary and adult teeth. Phase One treatment is designed to help your child’s jaw develop properly to accommodate their teeth and maintain a proper bite so that they can avoid more serious orthodontic problems in the future. Phase One treatment may include a palatal expander or other orthodontic appliances.
The two phases of treatment are separated by a “resting period” where your child’s mouth, teeth and jaw will be left to develop on their own. We will monitor your child during this rest period to ensure they are developing correctly.
Phase Two treatment is typically provided during adolescence and is when your child will receive braces or other orthodontic treatment to fully align their teeth and jaws. Following Phase Two treatment, our orthodontists will provide your child with a retainer to help keep their teeth aligned.
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Benefits of an early treatment
Early orthodontic treatment may help to:
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Provide more room for erupting or crowded teeth.
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Reserve space for unerupted teeth.
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Guide jaw growth to improve or create facial symmetry.
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Reduce the likelihood of tooth extraction in the future.
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Reduce overall treatment time when orthodontic treatment begins.
Early treatment patients
We're here for you at anytime
At any time during these first appointments or later during treatment, please contact our office if you have any questions. Our objective is always to make sure your visits with us are pleasant and informative.