PHASE ONE TREATMENT

A FOUNDATION FOR A LIFETIME OF BEAUTIFUL SMILES

Phase one treatment

EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

The majority of orthodontic patients seek treatment during the “tween” years after all of the primary teeth have been lost. For some patients, however, a process known as Phase One orthodontic treatment may provide better results and reduce the chances of extractions or more invasive treatments later.

In accordance with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), Holbert Family Orthodontics recommends that your child see an orthodontist by the age of 7. At this age, an orthodontist can identify subtle issues with jaw growth and newly erupting permanent teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Usually, orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they are found early, especially if your child has a thumb sucking or pacifier habit.

WHAT IS PHASE ONE TREATMENT?

The goal of Phase One treatment is to create space in the mouth for larger erupting permanent teeth. During this phase of treatment, Dr. Holbert can guide the development of the jaw to ensure that the upper and lower arch fit together properly creating a great foundation for a beautiful, healthy smile in the future.

If your child has a thumbsucking or pacifier habit, the palate often becomes narrowed and the front teeth may protrude. Intervening early, and only when necessary, by using an orthodontic appliance, such as a palatal expander, will help your child avoid unnecessary tooth extractions. The palatal expander appliance will gently and slowly expand the arch and guide the development of the jaw creating room for permanent teeth. Evaluation for Phase One treatment means early detection of problems and greater opportunity for more successful outcomes.

At Holbert Family Orthodontics, we will monitor your child’s growth and development. If an early evaluation reveals Phase-One treatment is not needed, we will carefully monitor and track your child’s growth and development and begin treatment when it is the ideal time for your child.

SIGNS OF ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS

At Holbert Family Orthodontics, we believe early orthodontic care can be a huge advantage for the future of your child’s oral health. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, early indicators that your child may need orthodontic treatment include:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth

  • Difficulty chewing or biting

  • Mouth breathing

  • Thumb/Finger sucking or other oral habits

  • Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth

  • Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed

  • Difficulty with speech

  • Protruding teeth

  • Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all

  • Facial imbalance or asymmetry

These types of growth and structural issues often respond more favorably to treatment at an early age while the teeth, jaw, and soft tissue are still developing. In many cases, Phase One treatment can eliminate the necessity of full braces or at least reduce the amount of time that they need to be worn.

BENEFITS OF EARLY TREATMENT

Just like detecting tooth decay early means less drilling, identifying malocclusions or bite problems means less orthodontic intervention. There are many benefits to early orthodontic treatment, such as:

  • Creating space for crowded, erupting permanent teeth

  • Creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth

  • Decreasing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth

  • Preserving space for unerupted teeth

  • Reducing the need for tooth extractions

  • Reducing treatment time with braces

  • Improve self-esteem & increase self-confidence

  • Improve breathing

WHAT TO EXPECT IN PHASE ONE TREATMENT

If your child has been recommended for Phase One orthodontic treatment, an impression will be made of your child’s upper arch. A customized dental appliance will be crafted to fit your child’s unique dentition. At Holbert Family Orthodontics, we offer several treatment modalities for our Phase One patients, including:

Palatal Expander

used most frequently for crossbite, crowding or impacted teeth, the palatal expander is the most common and effective way to create more space by gradually widening the upper arch

targeting upper arch expansion, it also directs newly erupting permanent teeth and can help reduce complex orthodontic problems. The aligners are custom-made to fit each child’s unique dentition and are designed to accommodate and support the rapid changes and growth that occur in our early treatment patients

for children with severely protruding teeth and an open bite or overbite, a few brackets on the front teeth in combination with a palatal expander will help guide the teeth into a safer position

Phase One orthodontic treatment usually takes 6 months, however the expansion appliance is worn for a year. Once the expansion is complete, the appliance will be removed and your child will begin a period of rest. During this time, all of the primary teeth will be lost and the permanent teeth will erupt. The next phase of treatment, known as Phase Two, will begin around age 11-13 and it includes braces to straighten and align the permanent teeth. Dr. Holbert will help determine the ideal time to begin Phase Two treatment. 

If you have any questions or concerns about Phase One orthodontic treatment, or you would like your child to be evaluated for Phase One treatment, call our Richmond office at (804)270-7824 or our New Kent office at (804)966-3030.  

PALATAL EXPANDER

The most common appliance used to expand the palate is a called the rapid palatal expander (RPE) appliance. This device is custom made to fit your child’s teeth and oral structures. Once placed in the mouth, the device will be activated and remains activated until expansion is achieved. The expansion process is gradual and gentle; however, it is not uncommon for your child to experience some soreness. Expansion usually takes 6 months to complete and the device will be left in place for approximately a year. To find out if your child can benefit from palatal expansion, schedule a complimentary consultation today.

Phase one treatment