Some little ones have orthodontic issues that are best resolved by splitting treatment into two phases.
Not every child needs two phases of orthodontic treatment, but for those who do, early treatment may prevent more serious problems and invasive treatment later that may not be as effective.
Dr. Jones strongly recommends you bring your child for an orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7. Here’s why:
• Orthodontists can spot early indicators of problems with your child’s jaw and emerging teeth (even when baby teeth are still present) that your child’s dentist may miss.
• Childhood is an ideal time to begin Phase 1 because children's jawbones are still developing and respond well to interceptive treatment. In some cases, Dr. Jones can achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing, usually by the time all permanent teeth have erupted.
Phase 1: Guiding development
Phase 1 usually begins between ages 7 to 10, when your child has both baby and permanent teeth.
Phase one has several goals:
- Guide jaw growth
- Lower risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits that can affect jaw growth
- Improve appearance
- Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
- Improve the way lips meet
- Improve airway
Phase 2: Final tooth position
Phase 2 starts when all of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted, usually around the ages of 11 or 12.
Goals of Phase 2:
- Idealize the alignment and leveling of the permanent teeth to be in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and opposing teeth.
- Refine the smile aesthetics and optimal bite function.