Orthodontics Makeover

Early Treatment-Preventive OrthodonticsThere has long been a theory in orthodontics that all can be corrected “once the permanent teeth come in”. It is perfectly logical thinking that has served our patients well. However, there is research that promises the same and in some cases even better cosmetic results with earlier intervention. If orthodontic treatment is delayed until all the permanent teeth are in, it is more difficult to align the jaw bones. This is why the American Association of Orthodontics recommends the first examination at age seven. This is generally known as a Phase I and Phase II treatment.Phase I treatment starts around seven years of age and usually lasts 12-20 months. The reason for starting treatment at this age is that the jaw bones are adaptable and we can direct and modify the growth of the jaw bones. By correcting the position of the jaw bones, it can prevent the extraction of permanent teeth, as well as improving the child’s facial appearance. In some instances jaw surgery can be prevented. Some common orthodontic problems that are corrected during the phase I treatment are overbites, underbites, crossbites, openbites, thumb sucking, and severe crowding of teeth.

After this first phase, we expect subsequent treatment, Phase II, to begin around twelve years of age or when the rest of the permanent teeth are in. The second Phase is to fine tune the tooth positions now that the jaw bones are in the correct position. This phase generally will last about 12-20 months as well.

Preventive orthodontics or Early treatment is really about catching tooth and jaw problems early when they are easy to correct. The main purpose of early treatment is to give our patients the best smiles possible as well as potentially preventing extractions of permanent teeth and in some cases even jaw surgery.