EARLY TREATMENT FOR ORTHODONTICS
PHASE ONE & PHASE TWO TREATMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA
Discover the power of early orthodontics for growing healthy smiles in Raleigh, Garner and Smithfield, North Carolina. At Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we offer comprehensive Phase One and Phase Two treatments tailored to address dental developmental needs and ensure overall health. From interceptive measures to full-scale alignment, we’re committed to guiding your child’s smile journey with precision and care.
EARLY TREATMENT FOR ORTHODONTICS
PHASE ONE & PHASE TWO TREATMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA
Discover the power of early orthodontics for growing healthy smiles in Raleigh, Garner and Smithfield, North Carolina. At Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, we offer comprehensive Phase One and Phase Two treatments tailored to address dental developmental needs and ensure overall health. From interceptive measures to full-scale alignment, we’re committed to guiding your child’s smile journey with precision and care.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Treatment
When is the right time for your child to visit the orthodontist? According to the American Association of Orthodontists, your child should first come in for a checkup by 7 years old or at the first sign of an orthodontic problem. At this age, they have a mix of permanent and baby teeth, which is ideal for our team to evaluate and assess their dental growth and development.
Early Treatment – Phase One: The Foundation For A Lifetime of Beautiful Teeth
Early treatment (also known as phase one) typically begins around age eight or nine (phase two will begin around age 11 or older). The goal of phase one is to treat any jaw discrepancies or problems with tooth development. Correcting these issues at any early stage can help foster the future growth of your child.
It may also prevent the need for complex orthodontic treatment such as tooth extraction or jaw surgery later down the road. For instance, growith problem with the jaw can be recognized at a young age. If children older than six are found to have this jaw disturbance, they could be a candidate for early orthodontic treatment.
Additionally, one of the most common reasons for early intervention is due to malocclusion, which means the teeth are not aligned properly. In other words, the upper and bottom teeth don’t come together properly and as a result, your child may have trouble eating, speaking or even breathing. If it isn’t treated, malocclusion may also lead to tooth decay and gum disease, depending on the child’s case. A frequent contributing factor we see causing misaligned teeth is due to thumb-sucking. This childhood habit unfortunately impacts the upper arch of your child’s mouth, sending the teeth forward.
At Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, our team will evaluate your child’s situation through an initial exam, potentially take X-rays and impressions and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.
What causes orthodontic problems, and how will early prevention benefit my child?
Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb sucking habits.
Most children have lost all their baby teeth by age 13 and by the end of their teen years the jaw bones will harden and no longer continue to grow. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction and the possibility of oral surgery. As a child, receiving early orthodontic treatment can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.
If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.
Phase Two Treatment: Setting The Stage For A Successful Smile
Phase Two typically occurs after the majority of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of 11 to 13 or older. It focuses on comprehensive alignment of your child’s adult teeth and correcting any remaining issues that were not fully addressed during Phase One. The goal is to achieve an ideal bite, alignment, and smile through the use of braces or clear aligners for about an average of 24 months. Once your child has finished treatment, they will move into the retention phase and wear a retainer to maintain their beautiful new results and prevent relapse.
Discover If Your Child Is A Good Candidate For Orthodontic Treatment
Let us help you decide if now is the right time to start early treatment for your child. Request your child’s complimentary consultation by filling out our simple contact form below. We can’t wait to meet you at one of our three convenient locations: Raleigh, Garner or Smithfield.
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Smiles Crafted With Precision, Care And Expertise
When it comes to your family’s oral health, seeking the expertise of Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is a choice that ensures quality, personalized care. Whether you’re seeking pediatric dental care or orthodontic treatment for your family, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service every step of the way. From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll experience professionalism, warmth and a commitment to creating healthy, beautiful smiles.