Phase i treatment
First Phase Orthodontics
Based on your child's evaluation they may benefit from early orthodontic intervention. The goal of this treatment is to create a better environment for your child's adult teeth to erupt. A first phase of treatment is done when your child still has many of their primary or "baby" teeth. A second phase of treatment takes place once all of the adult teeth have erupted.
phase I braces
Phase I braces is the most common form of early intervention. While there are wonderful aesthetic benefits, it can also prevent future problems with the teeth and bite. As shown in the photos below, the top and bottom teeth were hitting each other on their biting edges, otherwise known as an edge-to-edge bite. If left uncorrected for a long period of time the teeth will wear away at each other.
Palatal expander
Palatal expansion using an Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) increases the width of the upper jaw. The upper jaw should always be wider than the lower. As you see in the before photo, the upper right molars were initially inset to the lower. This relationship is called a posterior crossbite. The expander (RPE) is an upper appliance connected to the six year (permanent molars) and is used to widen the upper jaw.
Habit appliance
Ideally finger sucking and pacifiers should cease prior to the eruption of the permanent teeth. Habit appliances are very effective in helping to stop finger/thumb sucking habits. If at-home solutions are failing to help treatment with a habit appliance may be indicated.
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