Phase I (at or around age 7)
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase I treatment, involves addressing orthodontic issues in children at a young age, typically between the ages of 7 and 10. This proactive approach allows orthodontists to intervene early in a child's dental development, guiding the growth of the jaw and eruption of permanent teeth to create a more harmonious and functional bite. Phase I treatment can address issues such as overcrowding, bite misalignment, and jaw discrepancies, laying the foundation for a healthier smile as the child grows. By addressing these issues early on, we can often prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later in life, leading to shorter treatment times and improved long-term outcomes. Ultimately, early treatment allows us to achieve optimal results with minimal intervention, ensuring a lifetime of confident smiles.
Phase I treatment lasts about 18 months. It typically involves the use of appliances like expanders and partial braces on only the erupted adult teeth. The primary goals of Phase I treatment are to encourage skeletal growth during this critical stage of development and ensure adequate space for the eruption of all permanent teeth. Once these objectives are achieved, the braces and appliances are removed.
Growth Guidance or Resting Period
During the resting period, Dr. Martusiewicz continues to monitor your child's progress every 6 months as their remaining baby teeth naturally fall out. Once all or nearly all of the permanent teeth have erupted (which is usually around age 12), Dr. Martusiewicz evaluates the need for Phase II braces.
Our Growth Guidance program is also used when a patient comes in for an exam and Dr. Martusiewicz finds that early treatment is not needed. Not every child needs two phases or early intervention so this complimentary program allows orthodontic treatment to begin at exactly the right time. During this phase, Dr Martusiewicz will closely oversee your child’s skeletal development and eruption sequence of permanent teeth. If she notices that there isn't enough room for all the permanent teeth, Dr Martusiewicz will discuss the benefits of starting treatment. Otherwise, she will continue to watch your child’s development until all permanent teeth are present. This complimentary, biannual monitoring phase is the best way to give children their best chance at a beautiful and healthy smile.
Phase 2
The goal of Phase II treatment 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. Phase Two takes on average 2 years and involves full upper and lower braces on all permanent teeth. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure your child retains his or her beautiful smile.
