When Are Two Phases of Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?

Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child visits an orthodontist by the age of seven in order to determine if the child has any developmental problems with their jaw and teeth? It is at this time that the doctor determines if it is necessary to begin Phase 1 of orthodontic treatment, in order to prevent bigger problems with the patient's teeth and bite in the future.

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment may or may not include braces. In some cases, a spring aligner, head gear or a palatal expander may be used exclusively, while at other times, it is necessary to get braces to help move the teeth into position so that the permanent teeth can come in more easily.

Phase 1 is almost always followed with a Phase 2, after all of the adult teeth have come in. Often many parents assume that they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find out that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Early treatment can eliminate the need for more drastic measures, such as surgical exposures to expose permanent teeth that can not erupt due to the position of other teeth blocking its' path. Unfortunately, in some cases, satisfactory results are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. With proper timing, children may not have to endure years of embarrassment.

Below are some of the benefits of early orthodontic treatment.

Early treatment provides the opportunity to:

• Guide the growth of the young jaw bones creating a better environment for those new emerging permanent teeth.
• Guide incoming teeth into optimal positions.
• Regulate the width of the jaws.
• Lower the risk of trauma to prominent front teeth .
• Correct harmful sucking habits.
• Reduce the likelihood of teeth becoming stuck or impacted under the gums .
• Preserve or gain space for arriving permanent teeth .
• Allow easier correction if found early.

Crowded and rotated teeth can break easily and can trap food particles that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Crooked teeth can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without treatment many problems become worse. Finally, crooked teeth detract from your smile which is one of the more important facial features. You only have one chance to make that first impression, so make a great one with a great smile!

To find out what Dr. Eder recommends for your smile, please call our office and schedule your Free Consultation today! (561) 737-8776.