When is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is not necessary for all children, but when your dentist identifies potential problems, it is best to take a proactive approach to avoid further complications in the future. My office philosophy is to provide phase I treatment only when I know that the child will benefit significantly from early intervention. I keep my phase I treatment conservative and brief, correcting issues that, according to research, can become major problems when the child is a teenager if left untreated. I make sure that the parents of my patients are well informed about the objectives of phase I treatment and the potential need for phase II treatment.

Phase I treatment can help prevent damage to teeth and surrounding tissues. For instance, studies have shown that a child with very protruding front teeth is more likely to suffer injury if they fall. Additionally, a child with only one front tooth in a crossbite is more likely to wear down the tooth's enamel over time if not treated. Another important benefit may be the psychosocial implications; children who care about their appearance often experience an improved perception of themselves after orthodontic treatment.

Many orthodontic problems are caused by growth-related issues, such as tight jaws or a jaw growing too fast or too slow. These types of problems are best addressed during youth, before all the permanent teeth come out. While not all orthodontic problems can be solved at this age, many can be reduced in severity and a young patient's self-esteem can be dramatically improved with the use of simple growth-modifying devices, such as an expander, a device to stop thumb or finger sucking, or a functional appliance (to reduce an overbite or improve an underbite). Phase I treatment must make sense from both a dental and psychosocial point of view for the parents and child receiving the treatment.

Phase 1 treatment may include a specialized orthodontic device, such as a palatine expander, or it may require partial braces only on the few permanent teeth that are present in the mouth. David Amram of Colosmiles Orthodontics specializes in state-of-the-art orthopedic appliances, metal, transparent, ceramic braces, iterodigital impressions and Invisalign. That said, the benefits of phase I treatment usually outweigh any warnings. If you would like more information about biphasic orthodontic treatment, book an appointment with Dr.

Amram and his team who offer effective and affordable braces for Shoreham 11786, East Setauket 11733, Wading River 11792, Holbrook 11741, Bayport 11705, Stony Brook 11727, South Haven 11719, Sayville 11782, Brookhaven 11719, Mount Sinai 11766, Miller Place 11764, Rock Point 11778, Bellport 11713, Lake Ronkonkoma 11779, Lake Grove 11755 and Sound Beach 11789 in New York. Some children may need braces for up to four years while others have fewer problems and may only need to wear them for about a year. Premier Orthodontics has 6 centers offering braces and Invisalign in Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Maricopa, Casa Grande and Glendale as well as the surrounding areas.

Phase I orthodontic treatment

, also known as early interceptive treatment, is an orthodontic procedure performed on children before all of their permanent teeth come out and often occurs between the ages of six and ten.

The goal of phase I orthodontic treatment is to solve major tooth and bite problems and prevent future issues. Teeth that stick out in the wrong place may never look so good even if their position is later corrected with braces. During this time visits to the orthodontist will evaluate the condition of the retainers and will also observe the child's growth and development to determine if and when phase II orthodontic appliances will be needed. Once the child has completed phase I orthodontic treatment they will move on to a retention and observation phase.

I encourage you to talk to your orthodontist about whether one-phase or two-phase orthodontic treatment is best for your child. Phase I treatment can be performed with a combination of fixed supports and wires (braces) and appliances such as correctors and bite expanders or just with braces. Some children may need braces for up to four years while others have fewer problems and may only need to wear them for about a year.