Orthodontic treatment is used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. It also helps to prevent serious dental problems later in life.
Most children begin orthodontic treatment around age seven, though teenagers and adults can receive the treatment later on. Phase I and phase II treatment are the phases in which problems are caught early, giving kids a chance to have optimal results.
Braces
Orthodontic treatment with braces can help you get a straighter smile and improve your oral health. It can also boost your confidence and self-esteem!
The most popular orthodontic option, braces, use brackets and archwires to shift teeth gradually. They can be fixed or removable and are ideal for most patients.
Before starting orthodontic treatment, the best orthodontist near me will examine you and take X-rays of your mouth. Then, he will plan your treatment and decide whether braces are the best option for you.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a great option for adults who want straighter teeth without the look of metal braces. It uses clear, removable aligners that patients wear over their teeth.
The aligners are made of FDA-approved, medical-grade plastic and fit snugly over each tooth. These aligners are also easier to clean and remove than traditional braces.
Treatment with Invisalign is similar to traditional braces and can be effective for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite issues. However, Invisalign may not be the right option for complex cases or severe malocclusions.
The Invisalign process starts with a consultation appointment. Currently, the dentist or orthodontist takes digital images of the patient’s mouth. These are sent to the Invisalign labs to create a series of precision aligners.
Phase I & Phase II Treatment
One of the most common approaches to straightening teeth is to use braces. This approach is effective and often necessary, but it can take a long time for patients to complete the entire process.
Children who need orthodontic care should have their first checkup with their orthodontist around the age of seven. During this evaluation, the orthodontist will take measurements and impressions of the mouth.
This allows them to identify issues needing treatment before permanent teeth erupt. Some issues, like cross bites or severe crowding, should be addressed early to minimize the impact on the developing jawbone and teeth.
During Phase 1 care, your child will receive a series of removable appliances that gently shift their baby teeth to create more space for permanent teeth to grow in. They’ll also wear a headgear or palate expander to support proper jaw alignment. After this treatment is finished, the child will enter a resting period.
Partial Treatment
Partial treatment, limited orthodontics, is a great option for patients who only need to address one specific issue. Unlike full braces, partial treatments usually take less time and require fewer brackets and wires.
This is because partial treatments only correct a single problem in a particular mouth area. This means that only a small part of the dental arch needs to be straightened.
Generally, this means the front six teeth will be straightened using braces. The rest of the teeth may still need to be adjusted to achieve a more balanced bite.
This treatment is also helpful for children not yet ready for conventional orthodontic treatment. They might have issues with skeletal jaw alignment, thumb-sucking habits, or excessive crowding and spacing of the teeth or gums.
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