Dr. Bowdoin prefers to see patients by age 7 to screen for potential problems such as crossbites, overbites, underbites, excessive flaring or crowding of the teeth, jaw shifting, thumb habits, and disproportionate growth of the jaws. These are typically classified as skeletal or functional problems and often require early intervention in order to achieve an ideal result. A two-phase treatment plan may be recommended in these cases. Although most children are not ready for orthodontic treatment at this early age, it is very important to screen for the above problems and address them at the appropriate time.

What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The first phase is typically begun at an early age when the patient is in mixed dentition (has some baby teeth and permanent teeth). The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.

What if I put off treatment?

If a child has a functional or skeletal (jaw discrepancy) problem, the disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and having only one phase of treatment is facing the possibility of a compromised result that may not be stable.

Planning now can save your smile later

Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment using appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established, providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to achieve an ideal result with braces only.

Monitoring your teeth's progress

Most likely, teeth are not in their final positions at the end of the first phase of treatment. The child usually will have a “resting” phase in which the appliance(s) are removed for a period of time while the remaining permanent teeth erupt. Then the final position of the teeth will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment.

Phase 1 Treatment: Your foundation for a lifetime of beautiful teeth

The goal of first phase treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children after age 6 are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they may be candidates for early orthodontic treatment. This first phase of treatment usually last between 6-18 months. After the desired results are achieved, your child will be placed in a resting or recall phase until all of their permanent teeth erupt.

Resting or Recall Period

In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. Retaining devices are not usually recommended since they may interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement while final eruption of teeth occurs. Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis, so Dr. Bowdoin can evaluate the eruption of the permanent teeth.

Phase 2 Treatment: Stay healthy and look attractive

Once all of the permanent teeth are in the mouth, the patient is ready for the 2nd phase of treatment. This phase typically involves full braces on all of the teeth for about 18-24 months. The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly. At the end of phase 2, the braces are removed and retainers are worn to ensure you maintain your beautiful smile.