Some orthodontists will recommend your child undergoing what is known as two-phase orthodontic treatment, says Dr. Menachem Roth of Carvalho and Roth Orthodontics, which has offices in Newton Centre, Marlborough, and Northborough, Massachusetts. The reason behind this is to make early corrections in the jaw and bite while the child is still growing and developing before attempting to straighten and align the teeth, as he explains here in more detail.
Generally speaking, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic exam by the age of seven. The purpose is to diagnose and treat developing problems related to the growth of the jaw or eruption of the teeth. Oftentimes, treating these problems early can make comprehensive treatment later much simpler and faster.
When this happens, the orthodontic treatment may be split into two phases. The first phase, often referred to as interceptive orthodontic treatment, will aim to correct a problem in the growth of the jaw of the eruption of the teeth. In many cases, this is just the first step of treatment.
The first phase may involve a variety of treatment plans, including palatal expanders, or having braces put on just a few teeth. The goal of this early treatment, while the child is still growing, is to establish the correct relationship between the upper and the lower jaw early, making the need for more advanced work, such as orthognathic surgery, unnecessary.
Allowing completion of this, the patient will continue to be examined periodically by the orthodontist until all the permanent teeth have erupted, or until the majority of the permanent teeth have erupted.
Second Phase
Once the development of the dentician has progressed, a second stage of orthodontic treatment, often including full orthodontic braces, will begin to correctly align the teeth once the position of the upper and lower jaws has been corrected.
Two-phase treatment is not appropriate for all patients, and only a trained orthodontist can recommend or evaluate the pros and cons, or risks and benefits of the first phase of treatment, and then the second phase of treatment later. Your child may need this type of treatment if he has crowded baby teeth, if his bite is not right, or if his jaw is improperly aligned.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
