Starting orthodontic evaluations by age 7 sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. Early intervention helps us detect and address issues before they become complex, ensuring simpler, more effective treatments.
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This is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of seven and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits.
This phase is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of 11 and 13.
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.
Putting off treatment can result in a need for more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your smile. Early treatment is most effective for achieving lasting results.
Phase — One
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 6 are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment.
Children benefit tremendously from early treatment. Receiving early treatment may prevent the removal of permanent teeth later in life, or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws.
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 left alone as they erupt. Retaining devices may not be recommended if they would interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement. A successful first phase will have created room for permanent 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. Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.
Phase — Two
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. Phase two usually involves full upper and lower braces.
Movement and Retention - At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase, as dictated by the problem. The second phase is initiated when almost all the permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Records must be taken again before the second phase of treatment so that the doctor can re-evaluate the progress which has been made up to this point. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.
Class One Orthodontics offers expert early treatment in a supportive, child-friendly environment, ensuring the best care for your child’s developing smile.
Class One Orthodontics is where smiles are masterfully crafted. As Worcester and Newton's premier orthodontic experts, we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled care with a personal touch. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and a dedication to our community, we're not just creating beautiful smiles – we're shaping the future of oral health with a warmth and expertise that's unmatched.
