Two Phase Treatment Options for Early Intervention

Early orthodontic intervention is critical to optimizing your child’s success with orthodontic treatment. There are many options available to children who may need a two phase approach to their orthodontic treatment.

There are two critical phases of orthodontic care needed to achieve the best possible results. The early treatment phase works with the patient’s growth, while the alignment phase corrects rotation, spacing, and bite.

Phase 1: Growth Phase

• Usually begins around age 7
• Lasts 12-24 months, with visits scheduled every 10-12 weeks.
• Mitigates serious problems early

During this phase we may use any of or a combination of the following appliances:

• Headgear: Removable appliance used to apply pressure on the teeth and pull them backwards.
• E-Arch: Used to widen the upper and/or lower jaws to make room for permanent teeth.
• Lip Bumper: Used to push the molars on your lower jaw back to create more space for other teeth.
• Distal Jet: Non-removable lingual appliance that is used to move upper teeth backward faster.
• Brackets: A metal, plastic, or ceramic fixed attachment which holds an arch wire.
• Bite Plate: Designed to correct a deep bite (when the upper front teeth come down too far over the lower front teeth).
• Twin Block: Made up of two components, an upper and lower palate, which work together to posture the lower jaw forward.

Phase 2: Alignment Phase

This phase begins when most of the permanent teeth have erupted. It involves placing braces on all the teeth to correct their alignment and bite. Treatment time ranges from 12-24 months. The goals of this phase are very specific:

• Align the newly erupted permanent teeth.
• Total bite correction to allow teeth to function properly and last a lifetime.

At Valeriano Orthodontics, our highly trained orthodontist will guide you in determining the best options for your child’s dental health. Early evaluation provides timely detection of problems, and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Orthodontic intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s bite or spacing issues call Valeriano Orthodontics today for a complimentary consultation at (704) 364-6544.