Phase I Treatment
Sometimes, early intervention (Phase I) is needed for younger children to prevent more severe bite and crowding issues later down the line. It is usually best to treat these issues when children are younger and their jaws are still developing. This is screened for at your initial consultation and recommendations will be given as needed. Some examples of these issues are listed to the right and they can be treated in a variety of ways, explained below.
Every child is unique, with different needs and cooperation. We work with you and your child to decide which appliances are best to give the best result while also keeping your child’s comfort in mind.
Issues Needing Early Intervention
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Anterior crossbites (underbites) are best corrected at an early age to prevent traumatic occlusion and to help modify the growth of the upper and lower jaws. Appliances or limited braces may be used.
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In crowded cases, expansion may be needed to gain more space to allow the permanent teeth to erupt in a larger arch. Limited braces may also be used in addition to appliances such as an expander to align the teeth and create more space.
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If teeth are at risk for impaction (being stuck in the jawbones due to insufficient space), early braces or appliances such as expansion are needed to create more space. This will give those teeth the best chance of coming in on their own.
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If your child has signs and symptoms of breathing/airway issues, expansion may help enlarge the nasal airway space. A recommendation for a sleep study and evaluation by a physician will also be given for an interdisciplinary approach to your child’s airway issues.