Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Phase I

(Interceptive Treatment)

Maxillary Expansion, as needed.
Early Start: Ideal for ages 6-9, targeting growth phases.
Dental Adjustment: Corrects jaw discrepancies and aligns 12 permanent teeth.
Duration: Typically spans 12-18 months for effective treatment.
Solutions for: "Buck teeth," thumb sucking, jaw growth issues, early tooth loss, and misaligned front teeth.
Foundation for the Future: Prepares for potential Phase II treatment, enhancing overall effectiveness.

Phase 2

(DEFINITIVE TREATMENT)

Alignment of Permanent Teeth: We are experienced in utilizing braces or Invisalign for optimal positioning and aesthetics.
Timely Intervention: Contrary to popular belief, children do not need to have, "ALL of their adult teeth" to be a good candidate for starting treatment. Treatment can begin even with a few baby teeth left.
Achieving Harmony: We focus on developing a functional bite and beautiful smile.
Not all patients require Phase 1 (Interceptive Treatment) but we are here to evaluate their needs and observe how the teeth naturally develop. We only recommend treatment at the appropriate time for each child.

McCranels Orthodontics Smile Treatment Before and After Johnathan-Meers.jpg

McCranels Orthodontics Smile Treatment Before and After Olivia-Wade.jpg

Commonly Asked Questions

1. Why is 7 years of age the optimal time for screening?

By the age of 7 most kids should have the first permanent molars (2) and the permanent incisors (4) in both the upper and lower arches. At this time there should be 12 primary (baby) teeth and 12 adult (permanent) teeth. Your child’s “bite” has now been established and the relationship between the upper and lower teeth may be a concern. At McCranels Orthodontics we will provide a free screening to evaluate the overbite, overjet, crowding, spacing, jaw alignment, midlines, teeth positioning, and dental and skeletal relationships.

2. What are the advantages of early treatment?

Create room for crowded teeth
Preserving space for future permanent teeth
Anterior or posterior cross-bites (Reducing the need for permanent tooth removal)
Reducing overall treatment time with braces
Address facial asymmetries to lessen or eliminate the long-term effects
Reduce the RISK of trauma to protruding front teeth
Constricted (narrow) jaws can result from thumb sucking, which require treatment
Timing in regards to growth spurts in jaw growth can be a huge advantage
Discovering any missing or extra teeth

3. Does every child need early treatment (Phase I)?

Only certain bites will benefit from early orthodontic intervention. The majority of kids do not need early orthodontic intervention, but it takes a professional orthodontic evaluation to rule it out.

4. If my child has Phase I treatment, will they need a Phase II?

Most of the time some additional treatment will be necessary to align the remaining permanent teeth that have grown in at a later age (approx. age 12). In some cases, Phase I orthodontic treatment is the only treatment ever needed.