Early (Phase 1) Treatment
At Green Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of early orthodontic screenings. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the first orthodontic visit take place at 7 years of age since some children at this age begin to reveal signs of jaw and or tooth imbalances.
Though many children will not need braces or other types of orthodontic treatment, early visits allow for identification and interception of growth and developmental complications before they become more difficult to treat. Early intervention often allows our team to achieve more effective results than would be possible at a later age, when the jaw and face are more permanently developed.
“Two-phase treatment” refers to situations where early (Phase-I) treatment is initiated to diagnose and correct severe dental or orthopedic problems. This creates more favorable conditions for the jaws and for the eruption of permanent teeth as children grow and mature through childhood into their early teens. A second phase of treatment, if necessary, becomes less complex, shorter in duration and ultimately more stable long-term.
Serious problems are not always obvious to parents and are more easily detected by an orthodontist. Some of the most common problems include:
Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Check-Up
Don’t put off your child’s first orthodontic appointment. Early orthodontic care has been proven to reduce the risk of future oral complications, improve the visual aesthetics of a child’s smile, and provide the opportunity for guided jaw growth and development. At Green Orthodontics, we prefer to treat our patients as conservatively as possible. A minor intervention now could prevent or lessen the need for braces or other more extensive treatments in the future.
For more information about early treatment or to schedule your child’s first check-up, contact our office today.
