Orthodontics for Children & Teens

American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children to receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. If a child shows signs of moderate or severe orthodontic problems and waiting is not recommended, early interceptive treatment is recommended at a young age. Early consultation helps identify urgent dental concerns that may worsen and be more difficult to correct later (and sometimes become uncorrectable), if left untreated.

Between the ages of eleven and seventeen, all baby teeth should have already fallen out. During adolescence, the jaw goes through rapid growth and it is advantageous to start treatment as the patient’s jaw growth
can be utilized and even modified for improved results.

Phase 1 & Phase 2 Orthodontics

If your child needs orthodontic treatment, two-phase approach is commonly taken. Phase I treatment will begin while your child has a mix of primary and permanent teeth. Phase 2 treatment is determined by the doctor when your child is older depending on the child’s growth and dental needs. In most cases, there is a rest period in between the two phases.

Phase 1 Treatment

Phase 1 treatment aims to correct issues during the child’s growth that will prevent more invasive treatment in the future. Early treatment includes creating spaces for erupting permanent teeth and correcting problems
with the bite. At StarshipM Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics, we also work with you to
correct oral habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing.

The benefit of early orthodontic treatment is to guide the growth of the jaw bones, correct harmful oral habits, reduce invasive surgery and extractions in the future, and prevent additional problems from developing.

Phase 1 treatment can be beneficial if your child is experiencing any of the following issues:

• Crooked, crowded, gapped teeth
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth that don’t come together correctly (problem with bite)
• Oral habits as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing
• Speech problems
• Disproportionate jaw
• Primary teeth obstructing eruption of permanent teeth

Phase 2 Treatment

Phase 2 treatment aims to create a proper relationship of teeth and jaws, create beautiful smiles with correctly aligned teeth, and ensure attractive facial balance and profile.Phase 2 Orthodontic treatment is generally begins between the ages of eleven and seventeen, when most or all the permanent teeth have erupted. At M Dental Group, we also monitor your child’s jaw development during the 2^nd phase treatment for improved results.

Read more about Phase 2 treatment:

• Invisalign for Teen
• Braces (metal, clear)