Parents may sometimes be surprised when their child’s dentist recommends a visit to an orthodontist around 7 years old. It is a misconception that orthodontic treatment is only necessary once a child loses all of their baby teeth, but some problems can become obvious long before then. This is where two-phase treatment comes into play.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is when a child needs intervention before starting regular orthodontic treatment. This is needed for children, typically between the ages of seven and 11, who require early treatment before all of their permanent teeth have erupted. Phase 1 will occur during this time and fix readily apparent orthodontic problems. After this early interceptive treatment is performed, a resting period will occur where the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. After this period, Phase 2 will begin, which is essentially the same as standard adolescent treatment.
When are two phases necessary?
Typically, braces are thought of as a procedure performed on adolescents. While this is true and most orthodontic treatments are performed on teenagers, we at Johnson & Collins Orthodontics are also capable of providing our efficient orthodontic care to patients of all ages. A child’s first visit to the orthodontist is recommended to be at the age of seven; if treatment is deemed to be necessary then (or in the not-too-distant future), this will require something known as two-phase treatment. When you’re looking for a pediatric orthodontist in or around Southlake or Bedford, TX, we’re glad to help your child out with this long-term procedure.
If your orthodontist has determined that two-phase treatment is right for your child, that means they have identified some problems that will cause issues in the growth of your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, and/or face. Starting treatment early will allow the orthodontist to time the treatment to predictable stages of dental development. They will be able to monitor growth and provide the best treatment for improvement and correction of these issues.
