It’s a common question from parents whether it is necessary for some children to receive two phases of braces. While I am not an orthodontist, (I am a Pediatric Dentist) the answer is - IT DEPENDS on the child. The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends an orthodontic examination or screening by age 7. That way, if necessary, the orthodontist can address the problems described below in two separate phases. Ultimately, this will hopefully prevent a child from needing more invasive treatment in the future.
One example of where a child may need two phases is when their baby teeth are very crowded (meaning all the baby teeth are touching). Baby teeth are “supposed” to be spaced and look like a white picket fence. That way, when each adult tooth (which is a size and a half larger) comes in, it has room to take up those spaces. But when baby teeth are touching, there isn't room for the adult teeth. In those case, the orthodontist creates the necessary space in phase one to allow the adult teeth room to come in properly. Then, the orthodontist brings the adult teeth back in straight with the second phase of braces when your teenager is growing. Sometimes, the orthodontist will recommend that the child wiggle out some baby teeth to make room for the adult teeth. This helps minimize the risk of requiring that adult teeth are pulled to make room for all of them to fit.
Another example is when children use the pacifier past age 3 or suck their thumb or fingers. Sometimes, those kids end up with a cross bite or a high arched palate (roof of the mouth). Because the top teeth do not fit over all the bottom teeth in those instances, when your child smiles, it looks a little crooked. The orthodontist will utilize two phases to fix the cross bite.
Finally, children with an underbite (think a bulldog bite) often require early intervention, rather than waiting until all the adult teeth erupt. Phase 1 orthodontics in an underbite case can be a game changer because it may prevent the child from undergoing jaw surgery in the future for bite/jaw correction.
Most of the time though, only one phase of orthodontics is necessary. Each child presents differently, and it is very common for kids of the same age to have completely different treatment plans. Even with identical twins, one could have a two-phase treatment plan and the other a single phase. Every child is unique; so the orthodontic treatment approach must be tailored to your child. Seeing an orthodontist for a free "Growth and Guidance Exam" around age 7 is strongly recommended to tailor-fit the right plan for your child.
About The Kids’ Dental Office of Phoenix & Orthodontics
Our goal is to help your children feel comfortable when visiting us. Our pediatric dentists have two to three years of specialty education after dental school and have focused their career on treating children's dental needs. Everything from the advanced technology to the decor to the way we talk to kids is designed to help them feel relaxed and carefree in order to facilitate healthier, happier smiles and a lifetime of good oral health. We are conveniently located on the northwest corner of 20th St. and Camelback next Bank of America, across from Camelback Colonnade. Call today or book appointments online! TheKidsDentalOfficeOfPhoenix.com | 602-903-4894
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