You might be shocked to realize that your child should visit our orthodontist in Highland Park as early as age 7. At this point, your child likely hasn’t lost all of their baby teeth, so why is it necessary to take a trip to the orthodontist already? Depending on your child’s teeth, two-phase two-phase orthodontic treatment may be necessary to help set your child up for success in the future!
Phase I
The first phase of treatment typically doesn’t include braces, but instead, expanders and other appliances that can help prepare the jaw for adult teeth that haven’t fully come in yet. At this time your child has both baby and adult teeth and is called mixed dentition. It is easier during this time to fix overcrowding, cross-bites, overbites and underbites. Phase one of treatment typically occurs between the ages of 7-11 and lasts anywhere from 10-14 months. This is a time for skeletal movement as opposed to dental movement.
Phase II
Once most of the permanent teeth have come in and your child’s 12-year molars are erupting, Phase II of treatment can begin. During this stage, our orthodontist near Highland Park will utilize methods like Invisalign or traditional braces to help create a beautiful smile that will last forever! The severity of your children’s teeth will impact how long the second phase of treatment lasts, but on average, it lasts 18-24 months.
Staying proactive when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment can help you stay on top of developing issues. Our team at Lippitz Orthodontics is happy to help answer any of your questions regarding Two-Phase orthodontic treatment! Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.
