First-Phase treatment is designed to make corrections to the jaws and to make adequate room for the eruption of permanent teeth.
Children no later than age seven should be seen by an orthodontist. This is the time when the orthodontist can assess if a "malocclusion" (skeletal or dental problem) is present. In some cases the upper and lower jaws may not have enough room to accommodate all of the permanent teeth.
November 13, 1999 September 23, 2000
Case # 1
The patient above is a good example of the success of a phase I treatment. This patient was given retainers and the rest of her permanent teeth will be allowed to grow into place.
July 8th 1999 Twin Block Appliance January 02, 2000
Final
Case # 2
The case above is a good example of the success of a phase I treatment plan that is designed to correct a skeletal problem. Skeletal corrections should be done before the growth period ends. The patient wore the twin block appliance which helped bring her upper and lower jaw into more desirable position. The next step for this patient is phase 2 or braces.
12 Months
Case # 3
This patient wore a palatal expander and fixed orthodontic appliances on the anterior teeth. This patient has a lower lingual holding arch and a removable upper retainer.
Here is a partial list of other potential orthodontic problems. If you observe any of the following conditions (please click on the underlined words below for an example):
 | A narrow upper and lower jaw can cause the permanent teeth to grow in crowded. |
| The upper jaw may protrude"buck" out over the lower jaw . |
| The lower teeth bite in front of the top teeth (under bite). |
| The top teeth totally covers the bottom teeth (deep bite). |
| An open bite is an opening between the upper and lower front teeth. |
| Premature loss (Cavity or extraction) of a baby tooth and shifting of teeth. |
| The top teeth bite inside of the bottom teeth (cross-bite). |
| Anything else that appears unusual. |
You should call and schedule a free orthodontic evaluation at our office.
At this stage of development children are growing very rapidly, early treatment can help correct problems before they become major. Early treatment can prevent the removal of permanent teeth to correct crowding and surgery to help correct the alignment of the upper and lower.
Early treatment can help decrease the time necessary for the second phase of treatment. In some case early treatment can prevent the need of phase 2 and braces all together.
Waiting to treat a malocclusion until all of the teeth have erupted could result in a jaw discrepancy that may require the removal of permanent teeth and possibly surgery.
Following phase I treatment, the patient will be given retainers. The retainers are designed to hold the teeth and jaws in their corrected position and allow the permanent teeth to erupt into the mouth. Please see our retention page for more information
After a clinical examination we will inform you of the need for treatment. If treatment is indicated orthodontic records (The Next Step) will be needed to help us complete our diagnosis. After we have taken records we will outline a treatment plan.
The treatment plan will consist of the type of appliances or devices we plan to use to make the necessary corrections. We will also discuss the anticipated treatment time, and the costs associated with this phase of treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office or leave us an e-mail. We would be glad to answer any questions to the best of our ability. To send us e-mail please click on one of the rotating mail boxes below.
(301)333-3900 E-mail
