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A Proactive Approach to Children's Orthodontic Care
As your child grows, they might develop orthodontic issues. Children should visit the orthodontist for the first time around age seven so these issues can be identified and treated.
Early (Phase 1) orthodontics involves guiding proper jaw development to minimize the necessity for more extensive orthodontic treatment in later life. Instead of waiting until the teeth and jaws are fully developed and fixed in place, early intervention allows us to work in combination with your child's natural development to achieve a straighter smile.
It can also help resolve many common oral problems children encounter as they grow, such as speech and eating difficulties, snoring, teeth grinding, thumb sucking, and more.
At our Sturbridge orthodontic clinic, we offer jaw growth guidance, as well as Invisalign First clear aligners and braces for our young patients.
Initial Consultations for Children
If you or your general dentist have concerns about your child's orthodontic health, a consultation with an orthodontist is a great next step. Bring your child to Sturbridge Orthodontics for a free, no-obligation initial orthodontic assessment.
Early intervention, also called Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, targets children aged five to 11 with developing bite issues, misalignments, or airway concerns.
Phase 1 may involve various orthodontic treatments. The most common ones are braces and Invisalign First.
We'll create a personalized treatment plan that outlines Phases 1 and 2 beforehand. This helps ensure your child's orthodontic care is as minimally invasive and effective as possible.
Phase 1 also includes:
- Planning for the next phase
Phase 1 treatment is essentially preparation for Phase 2. Early orthodontic treatments aim to reduce the need for more invasive procedures later, like removing permanent teeth or jaw surgery.
- Records to inform treatment
During your child's Phase 1 treatment, we'll keep copious records for reference in Phase 2. These records will note factors such as the types of appliances used, the duration of treatment, and the frequency of visits. Records also include dental models, X-rays, and photographs.
- A resting period
After your child's first phase of orthodontic treatment is finished, the permanent teeth are allowed to erupt naturally without interference.
Retaining devices may not be recommended if they would interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement.
A successful first phase will have created room for permanent teeth to find an eruption path.
- Monitoring tooth progress
After the first treatment phase, the teeth have not yet reached their final positions. This will be achieved during your child's Phase 2 orthodontic treatment.
Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may enhance eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually every six months.
Phase 2 begins after all the permanent teeth have come in. It focuses on making the final adjustments to the smile and bite with braces or Invisalign Teen.
Phase 2 orthodontic treatment is typically less extensive than regular orthodontic treatment would be if Phase 1 were skipped.
We think of it as fine-tuning your teen's smile after all the groundwork was laid in Phase 1 – it's the finishing touch. Phase 2 treatment is also typically shorter than Phase 1 (six to 12 months).
- Continuing on the path to a healthy smile
The goal of the second phase is to make sure that each tooth is aligned with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth.
- Phase 2 braces or aligner treatment
- Maintenance and retainers
Once Phase 2 treatment comes to the end, retainers will be created for your child. These will be worn on an ongoing basis to ensure long-term treatment results.
Early Orthodontic Treatments for Kids
These are the most common orthodontic treatment options for kids at Sturbridge Orthodontics.
Braces for Children
At Sturbridge Orthodontics, we use braces to guide the development of children's teeth and jaws for healthier, straighter smiles.
Invisalign First for Children
Invisalign First is Invisalign just for kids! This system of clear aligners works with your child's developing smile to straighten teeth and correct jaw misalignments.