We take a careful approach to orthodontics, only intervening is absolutely necessary. If your child does need treatment it will usually occur over two phases.
The first phase of active orthodontic treatment lasts approximately six months and occurs when permanent and baby teeth are present. The corrections made in the first phase are permanent and they are focused on creating a wide enough jaw platform for the future adult teeth. Once the jaw is expanded, there is plenty of room for the future teeth.
At this point, our young patients are then placed in our growth evaluation program so we can keep an eye on their dental development.
Phase two, or comprehensive treatment, is started once all the permanent teeth are in place. Phase two is not needed for everyone, but if future teeth come through in an unusual place or at an unusual angle, then phase 2 orthodontics can align these teeth. But because of the early intervention of phase 1, phase two is not nearly as complex as for those patients who have waited too long for treatment.
