Child Orthodontics
in Bee Cave, Kyle, and Austin
There are two distinct "phases" of orthodontic treatment that we offer to our young patients. Early treatment, or phase I orthodontics, is when we intervene at a young age while many baby teeth are still present to address a problem that could potentially get worse without correction. Whereas, phase II orthodontics is designed to correct orthodontic concerns in adolescents with mostly or all permanent teeth present. At Boss Orthodontics, we are all about creating long-term, healthy smiles.
When Is the Ideal Time To Orthodontics?
Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends the evaluation of children by an orthodontist by the age of 7? Many developmental concerns can be diagnosed and corrected at this young age before they become more complex problems.
Phase I orthodontics, also known as interceptive or early orthodontics, typically takes place between the ages of 7 and 11. It is designed to intercept problems with the growth, development, or eruption of teeth, allowing us to intervene while a child's jawbones are extremely malleable and responsive to treatment, which ensures quick results.
What Is the Goal of Early Treatment?
The goal of early treatment is to set your child's teeth and jaws on the path of proper growth and development. Our aim is to quickly and efficiently address those issues that would otherwise become worse or cause irreversible damage if left uncorrected. To accomplish this, we use a combination of appliances and at times braces on select teeth. Usually, a main component of phase I treatment is expansion or space regaining that creates space for the permanent teeth that have yet to come in. Often for cases with moderate crowding, early treatment can potentially create space for adult teeth that would otherwise not have had room. While for some cases, extractions may be unavoidable, phase I orthodontics offers the best chance to potentially avoid them. Most children who undergo early treatment will require braces or other orthodontic appliances down the road when all of their permanent teeth are in, but future treatments are usually shorter and less complicated.
Why Would Your Child Need Early Treatment?
Conditions requiring early treatment include crowded, crooked, or protruding teeth, as well as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Other indications your child may require interceptive orthodontics include early tooth loss, thumb sucking after age 5, breathing through the mouth, difficulty in chewing or biting, speech impediments, or jaws and teeth that are growing disproportionately.
Examples of Early Treatments
An example of phase I orthodontic treatment is using an expansion appliance to correct a crossbite, make space for permeant teeth to prevent future impaction. This treatment is more effective at this young age, and sometimes is not even possible at a later date because the bones are no longer malleable. Other interceptive treatments may include braces on select teeth, habit appliances or the timed removal of baby teeth to help the adult teeth come in correctly.
Child Orthodontics Near Me
Contact Boss Orthodontics in Bee Cave, Kyle, and Austin TX, to learn more about the many benefits of early orthodontic treatment. We will evaluate how your child's mouth is growing and developing, and will recommend intervention, if necessary, to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.
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At Boss Orthodontics, we make it convenient to plan your first visit. Click the link to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation that fits your busy schedule. We can't wait to see you!