PHASE I TREATMENT
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems (“malocclusions”) even in their earliest stages.
Early Interceptive Treatment (also known as Phase-One) typically begins around age seven. The goal of this treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as an underbite. Early treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance of permanent tooth extractions and surgical correction in the future.
A First Phase Of Treatment Is Initiated To :
- Guide the growth of the jaw bones that support the teeth (growth modification)
- Correct crossbites that lead to asymmetric jaw development
- Correct shifts and deviations of the jaws for proper chewing and motor function
- Correct jaws that are too far forward or too far back
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Prevent space loss and crowding from early or late loss of baby teeth
- Prevent the need for future extractions of permanent teeth
- Correct mouth-breathing, thumb sucking and tongue thrusting habits
- Help improve minor speech problems
- Improve your child’s self-esteem
If your child shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our office to schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future!
If your child is not yet ready for treatment or we find that Phase I treatment is not necessary, they will be monitored on a recall status and re-evaluated in the future when they are ready to start treatment.