Your Child’s Dental Health: Why multiple phase orthodontics may be necessary

It is possible that a child will need multiple phases of orthodontic treatment. While some characteristics may be common, it is important to remember that every child is unique. Orthodontists are experts at dental growth and development and understand the importance of when to intervene to help direct and maximize growth potential. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven.

Because some children have small jawbones and large teeth, their permanent teeth may not have enough space to erupt. One very important goal of first phase orthodontic treatment is dental arch development. The orthodontist will recommend age specific treatment methods that are appropriate for each child. Siblings may have similar or completely different treatment needs. 

While it is true that it is never too late to seek orthodontic treatment, it is also true that treating an orthodontic problem while the patient is still growing makes it possible to achieve optimum results. If a child has a jaw length discrepancy the orthodontist may recommend first phase treatment depending on the severity. When the upper jaw is growing faster than the lower jaw the upper front teeth may protrude or extend significantly past the lower teeth. Another type of jaw discrepancy occurs when one jaw is narrower than the other resulting not only in crowding but also in a cross bite.

Remember that because early treatment with a first phase is age specific, and the orthodontist is working with the child's growth and development, they are working with nature not against it. A primary goal of the first phase is to create space for the upper front teeth to erupt by developing the upper arch. A second phase typically occurs when most of the child's permanent teeth have erupted. In the second phase the orthodontist is working to complete alignment of the teeth and jaws. In rare cases a patient may need a third phase of treatment. 

Orthodontists monitor their growing patients with periodic recare visits. At the recare appointment, the orthodontist may recommend diagnostic imaging to track tooth, jaw, and airway development. Orthodontists are finding that maxillary and mandibular growth modification can improve airway in a growing patient and help treat sleep apnea. If a problem is identified the orthodontist will provide diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Most orthodontists seek to avoid unnecessary treatment including tooth extractions, with the exception of primary (baby) teeth that are not coming out on their own. Orthodontists work with you to provide the best possible treatment for your child at the optimum stage of your child's growth. The specialty of orthodontics provides a means for people of all ages to enjoy not only a beautiful smile but also a bite that functions by design for long-term health.