Two-phase orthodontic treatment, also known as early, preventative or interceptive orthodontics, is a specialized process that combines straightening of teeth with structural facial corrections. Though many patients can wait to correct their orthodontic concerns after all of the baby teeth have fallen out, some patients benefit from treatment at an earlier age. Patients with certain bite problems, jaw issues, etc. will benefit from two-phase orthodontic treatments because they help permanent teeth come in properly and lessen the need for more intense and invasive treatments later and lessen the chance of extractions.
Oral problems that benefit from two-phase orthodontic treatments include:
• Severe crowding
• Eruption problems
• Open bite
• Deep bite
• Crossbite
• Large overbite
• Underbite (bull-dog appearance)
• Narrow jaws
• Harmful habits (thumb sucking, lip biting, tongue sucking etc)
• Severely protruded front teeth
Putting off two-phase orthodontic treatment for severe oral problems can result in the need for more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your smile. In some cases, early treatment may actually eliminate the need for full braces or reduce the time your child may need them.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that an orthodontist examine children at age seven. Children whose jaws are still growing and developing and whose permanent teeth have not yet fully come in are optimal candidates for early orthodontic treatment. When teeth and jaws, as well as surrounding soft tissue, are still in the development stages, orthodontic treatment is much more easily and gently accomplished than if left until the teen years.
What Should I do Next?
If you live in Charles County or St. Mary’s County, Maryland and want to learn more about two-phase orthodontic treatment for your child, contact our Waldorf or Leonardtown office to schedule a consultation at Sequence Orthodontics.
