EARLY TREATMENT
Monitoring Development Making Future Treatment Much Easier
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child see an orthodontist by the age of seven to monitor the progress of newly erupting permanent teeth. Identifying orthodontic issues such as crowding at an early age allows an orthodontist to effectively treat a child with early treatment, also known as Phase 1 treatment.
By the age of 7, the first adult molars have erupted, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate the bite, tooth eruption, missing teeth, and growth.
At this age, an orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found early. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later.
You don’t need a referral from a dentist to see an orthodontist. Make an appointment at one of our Austin, Texas locations.
Early evaluation provides timely detection of problems and greater opportunities for more effective treatment. Early 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.
WHY SHOULD MALOCCLUSIONS (BITES) BE TREATED?
- According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems.
- Crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss properly, contributing to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
- Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping.
- Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
- Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.
Ultimately, early treatment does more than making a pretty smile—it creates a healthier mouth all around.
HOW DOES TWO-PHASE TREATMENT WORK?
There are two critical phases of orthodontic treatment 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 ONE: THE GROWTH PHASE
- Usually begins around age 7
- Lasts 12-24 months, with visits scheduled every 10-12 weeks.
- Heads off serious problems early
During this phase, we may use the following appliances:
- Headgear: Removable appliance used to apply pressure on the teeth and pull them backward.
- E-Arch: Used to widen the upper and/or lower jaws to make room for permanent teeth.
- Lipbumper: 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 archwire.
- 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.
Signs early orthodontic treatment may be needed:
- Excess space between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite
- Extra or missing teeth
- Severely protruding teeth
- Severely crowded teeth
- A narrow upper or lower jaw
Benefits of Early Treatment:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
- Improve self-esteem & increase self-confidence
Crafting Your Best Smile
REQUEST YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
*No Referral Necessary
Are you a new patient? You don’t need a referral to schedule an appointment with us! Fill out our easy online form below to request your complimentary orthodontic consultation at Tomblyn Family Orthodontics. We can’t wait to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile!
