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A Proactive Approach to Children's Orthodontic Care
As your child grows and develops, orthodontic issues could be developing alongside them.
Early (Phase 1) orthodontics is intended to guide the development of the jaw, reducing the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later on.
Rather than intervening when the teeth and jaw are fully developed, we can start treatment while they are growing to work with them to make sure they form properly and your child has a beautiful, straight smile.
Orthodontic care can also address some of the common oral problems kids face as they grow up - including speech and eating issues, snoring, teeth grinding, thumb sucking, and more.
Phase 2 is intended to help kids between 12 and 18 years of age with the development of their permanent teeth and build on the foundation that was laid out in Phase 1.
At Leone & Vaughn Orthodontics, we use a variety of appliances, including palatal expanders, Invisalign First clear aligners, and traditional braces to help guide your child's jaw and dental development.
Complimentary Initial Consultations for Children
If you or your general dentist have concerns about your child's orthodontic health, an assessment may be in order. Bring your child in to Leone & Vaughn Orthodontics for a free orthodontic evaluation.
Early intervention, also known as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is for younger children who are developing bite, misalignment, or airway problems.
Phase 1 can include a variety of orthodontic treatments. The most common are palatal expansion, braces, Invisalign First, and treatment for airway issues.
Our orthodontists will work with you to create a customized treatment plan for your child’s dental needs. This will help ensure their orthodontic care is as efficient, effective, and as minimally invasive as possible. Phase 1 also includes:
- Planning for the next phase
Phase 1 treatment is often performed in preparation for Phase 2. Early orthodontic treatment plans are designed to minimize the need for invasive or extensive treatment during Phase 2, such as the removal of permanent teeth or surgical procedures to realign the jaw.
- Records to inform treatment
During your child's Phase 1 treatment, we'll keep extensive records for reference in Phase 2. These records will note things like the type of appliances used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records also include models of the teeth, X-rays, and photographs.
- A resting period
When Phase 1 of your child's orthodontic treatment has been completed successfully, the permanent teeth are left to finish erupting undisturbed.
We always use a retainer to preserve the progress made during treatment, especially as baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth erupt.
- Monitoring tooth progress
During this resting period, your child should visit their orthodontist roughly every six months for monitoring. At the end of the first phase of your child's treatment, their teeth are not in their final positions. This happens during their Phase 2 orthodontic treatment.
Once all of your child's permanent teeth have erupted, Phase 2 picks up where Phase 1 left off. It involves making the remaining changes to the smile and bites with either braces or Invisalign Teen.
Phase 2 orthodontic treatment is often more modest if your child has previously undergone Phase 1.
Think of it as fine-tuning your teen's smile after all the groundwork was laid in Phase 1 – it's the finishing touches. Phase 2 treatment is also typically shorter than Phase 1, lasting around six to 12 months.
- Continuing on the path to a healthy smile
The goal of the second phase is to ensure that each tooth is aligned properly in relation to each other, the lips, cheeks, and the tongue.
- Phase 2 braces or aligner treatment
- Maintenance and retainers
When Phase 2 treatment is finished, retainers will be created for your child. These will be worn on an ongoing basis to ensure that their straightened smile is maintained long-term.
Early Orthodontic Treatments for Kids
These are a few of the most common orthodontic treatment options for kids at Leone & Vaughn Orthodontics.