Early (or Phase I) Treatment occurs while at an early age, anywhere from 7-10 years old. During this time of the child’s development there are still baby teeth remaining. The goal of this treatment is to create adequate room for permanent teeth, achieve well-oriented jaws and eliminate any interferences that can affect the bite and/or development of the jaws. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of tooth alignment and/or jaw problems as they grow and develop.Examples of dental problems that can benefit from early orthodontics treatment:
Upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough
Crowded or blocked permanent teeth
Crossbite of front or back teeth causing a shift in the bite
Early correction can prevent the removal of permanent teeth and make future correction more straightforward. If you believe a problem exists contact our office for a complimentary consultation and assessment. The average treatment length for early treatment is 8-12 months.
Adolescent (Phase II) Treatment is the most common phase of treatment. Most children undergo orthodontic treatment during this time in their development because most or all of their permanent teeth have come in and we are able to address most or all of their needs at this time. The goal is to ideally position all of the permanent teeth and jaws to maximize their appearance and function. The treatment length for Phase II is generally 18-24 months.
Adult Treatment is an important phase of treatment! Just because you are not a child or an adolescent does not mean that it’s too late to improve your smile! Many adults are seeking out orthodontic treatment either for the first time or because they stopped wearing their retainers and have experienced shifting. Either way, we are able to address your orthodontic needs as an adult to help you achieve the beautiful smile you want and deserve!