What is Early Orthodontic Treatment? | Common Treatments | Resources
What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
The benefits of early orthodontic treatment are well recognized and include preventing early developing problems from worsening, less need to extract teeth for crowding, and better patient compliance. Early diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic problems enables the jaws to be properly aligned as they develop and jaw size to be coordinated with individual tooth size. Each child’s growth potential is utilized so that all permanent teeth have adequate room to come in naturally. In most cases, future problems (such as extractions) are completely avoided.
There are many conditions that can likely be avoided with early orthodontic treatment. Breathing problems, improper function of oral muscles, improper jaw alignment, a lack of growth in the upper and/or lower jaw, and crowded teeth, as well as speech problems are the most common conditions that could benefit from this treatment.
Benefits of Early Two-Phase Treatment:
- Significant increase in a young person’s self-esteem
- Eliminates unnecessary extractions and/or surgery
- Prevents impactions of permanent teeth
- Time in braces is significantly reduced
- Most cases are completed before high school
- Younger children are more cooperative and excited about braces
- Decreases the chances for the #1 cause of fractured teeth in children, protruding teeth
Phase I Orthodontic Treatment
The growth phase typically begins by age 6 or 7 and lasts approximately 12-18 months. Dr. Styrt’s goals for this phase are very specific:- Expand the upper and/or lower jaw to make room for the permanent teeth to erupt naturally when indicated
- Improve proper function in the bite
- Proper alignment of the permanent front teeth
- Address the early developing problem (crowding, crossbites, underbites, etc.)
When treatment goals are met, braces and/or appliances (expanders) are removed and retainers are fitted. At this time, Dr. Styrt will monitor the patient for approximately 12-24 months to ensure maintenance of your child’s orthodontic results. After most of the permanent teeth have erupted, Dr. Styrt will re-examine your child and evaluate their Phase II needs.
Phase II Orthodontic Treatment
The alignment phase begins when most of the permanent teeth have erupted. This phase usually includes the placement of braces on all of the teeth to achieve the ideal final result. Treatment time can range from 12-24 months. Again, Dr. Styrt’s treatment goals are very specific:- Eliminate crowding, misalignment, spaces and other problems
- Properly align all permanent teeth and coordinate the upper and lower teeth
- Achieve optimum function of the bite, optimum facial balance and facial aesthetics
Once the final result is achieved, the braces will be removed and final retainers will be fitted. Your child is now in the retention phase of treatment. After all of that work, we want your teeth to stay perfect!
Dr. Styrt will outline a retention therapy program for your child, and they will be carefully monitored for the first twelve months following removal of the final braces.
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