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Promoting Optimal Oral Development
As your child grows and develops, orthodontic issues could be developing too. Children should visit the orthodontist for the first time around the age of seven so that these issues can be identified and treated.
At its core, early (Phase 1) orthodontics is about prevention, guiding proper tooth and jaw development in an effort to prevent the development of more serious problems later that will need more invasive treatments to correct.
Rather than waiting until the teeth and jaws are fully developed and set in place, we can commence with treatment early and work with your child's development to promote a straighter, healthier smile.
Phase 1 treatment also has the added benefit of helping to address many of the common oral problems that children face as they grow up – such as speech and eating issues, snoring, teeth grinding, thumb sucking, and more.
At Karl Orthodontics, we offer jaw growth guidance with palatal expanders, as well as traditional braces for our young patients.
Complimentary Initial Consultations for Children
If you or your general dentist have concerns about your child's orthodontic health, an assessment by an orthodontist may be in order. Bring your child in to Karl Orthodontics for a free initial orthodontic evaluation.
Early intervention, commonly called Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is for children between the ages of five and 11 who have developing bite or misalignment issues.
Phase 1 can include a variety of orthodontic treatments. The most common are palatal expansion and braces.
We'll develop a customized treatment plan mapping out Phase 1 and 2 treatment in advance, to ensure your child's orthodontic care is as minimally invasive and effective as possible.
Phase 1 also includes:
- Planning for the next phase
Phase 1 treatment is essentially preparation for Phase 2. Early orthodontic treatment plans are designed to help prevent more serious problems from developing and minimize the need for more invasive or extensive treatment later on in life, such as the removal of permanent teeth or surgical procedures to realign the jaw.
- Records to inform treatment
During your child's Phase 1 treatment, we'll keep copious records for reference in Phase 2.
These records will note things like the type of appliances used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records also include models of the teeth, X-rays, and photographs.
- A resting period
Following the completion of your child's first phase of orthodontic treatment, the 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.
- Monitoring tooth progress
It's important to note that at the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. This will be accomplished during your child's Phase 2 orthodontic treatment.
Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may enhance eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually every six months.
Phase 2 picks up where Phase 1 left off, once all the permanent teeth have erupted. It addresses the fine details of the smile and bite with either braces or Invisalign Teen.
Phase 2 orthodontic treatment is typically more moderate than it would be if Phase 1 was skipped over.
We think of it as fine tuning your teen's smile after all the groundwork was laid in Phase 1 – it's the finishing touch. Phase 2 treatment is also typically much shorter than Phase 1 (six to 12 months).
- Continuing on the path to a healthy smile
The goal of the second phase is to ensure that each tooth is positioned in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth.
- Phase 2 braces or aligner treatment
- Maintenance and retainers
Once Phase 2 treatment comes to a close, retainers will be created for your child. These will be worn on an ongoing basis to ensure that treatment results are maintained long-term.
Early Orthodontic Treatments for Kids
Below are two of the most common orthodontic treatment options for kids at Karl Orthodontics.