Early Treatment (Two Phase Treatment)
Amazing advances in technology have brought the profession of Orthodontics (braces) to a new age. No longer is treatment limited to teenagers but is available to adults of all ages and to children very early in their life. It is the early treatment stage that I would like to discuss. For many years orthodontists waited until all the permanent teeth were in to begin treatment of children. However, there are many disadvantages. In many cases permanent teeth needed to be removed in order to gain enough room to align the teeth properly. Because of this, facial profiles often became less attractive. Faces can become pencil thin rather than full and attractive; noses can look larger than they really are, etc.
With the advent of modern treatment, we have experienced tremendous advantage with early treatment. In fact, the AAO (American Association of Orthodontics) now recommends that every child be seen by the Orthodontist by age 7-8. This is because the joints are still amenable to growth augmentations. Benefits include:
- Broaden narrow or “V” shaped dental arches
- Make enough room so that permanent teeth do not need to be removed in most cases
- Correct or prevent impacting permanent teeth.
- Correct adverse habits such as tongue thrusts
- Assist in airway issues
- Encourage growth of the arches to help correct significant overbite or under bite
- Ensure that the patient develops the most pleasing face possible and a beautiful, natural smile
The goal of early active treatment is mainly orthopedic. That is, we concentrate on the proper development of the upper and lower jaws. The tooth straightening portion of orthodontic treatment has also been revolutionized. Space age wires (titanium) allow us to treat in fewer visits with less interruption of school and work schedules and with very little discomfort for the patient. It is easy to see what a wonderful investment early orthodontic treatment is.
Most first phase treatment takes 12-18 months. Once our goals have been achieved, your child will wear a retainer nightly, and will be seen every four months (at no charge), until the permanent teeth erupt and stage two begins. On all Stage I treatment plans, your child’s upper front teeth will be straightened and look great.
