Ideally, orthodontists should begin to monitor patients by the age of seven. Not all children receive a Phase 1 Treatment; however, children may exhibit early signs of jaw growth discrepancies very early on.

The goal of Phase 1 treatment is to “develop” the jaw size in order to allow adequate space for all the permanent teeth to erupt and to take proactive steps to correct jaw growth discrepancies. Because they are growing rapidly at this young age, children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment, utilizing appliances that encourage the proper growth of the upper and lower jaws with minimal force and discomfort.

An upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be identified at an early age. If children after age six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are likely candidates for early orthodontic treatment.

1. By expanding the arch width while children are growing, the need for future extractions of permanent teeth is lessened. At HeRo over 99% of kids may avoids premolar extraction if treatment begins at this age.

2. Encouraging the jaw growth through the use of orthodontic appliances prevents possible jaw surgery during braces. At HeRo we avoid jaw surgery over 95% of the time if treatment begins at this age.

3. Permanent teeth that are pushing in and forcing on other teeth to erupt may cause the natural loss of neighboring teeth if unaddressed. Phase 1 treatment can identify the impaction before damage begins.

4. Appliances used during Phase 1 treatment are mostly passive appliances that guide growth, instead of applying extreme force to accomplish the movements needed.

5. Patients who had Phase 1 treatment have a significantly shorter period in braces later on, because the big movements have already been completed. A successful Phase 1 treatment regimen will create room for teeth to erupt properly, Which may keep them from becoming impacted or severely displaced.

The goal of Phase 1 treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that are growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age normally by six or seven. If children after age six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment.

The disadvantages of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and having only one phase of treatment for someone with a jaw discrepancy means the possibility of a compromised result and/or permanent tooth extractions that may not be stable. Also, surgery may be need to fix the bite.

Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from Phase 1 early orthodontic treatment, which utilizes appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established, providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to achieve an ideal result with braces.

In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. Retainers are usually recommended, but not always as they may interfere with eruption of the permanent teeth. A Transitional Retainer is not neccesarily provided at the end of phase 1. The jaws should be the correct size and position. However, with watching the growth and development, a second phase will be determined. During the observation appointments, Dr. Beaber will be able to gauge at what time patients are ready for their Phase 2 treatment.

In other words, at the end of the Phase 1 treatment, permanent teeth are not necessarily in their final ideal positions. This will be determined and accomplished in Phase 2 treatment once all permanent teeth have erupted. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.

Phase 2 will correct all of the rotated misaligned teeth to a more ideal position. The length of the resting period depends on a child’s growth and eruption pattern. It can range from a few months to several years.

Phase 2 treatment is initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted and usually requires braces on all teeth for a shorter period of time. The length of the treatment will vary depending on how rotated the teeth erupt and, most importantly, how well the patient complied during Phase 1.

The purpose of Phase 2 is to place each tooth into its Ideal location in the mouth. When the teeth are properly placed, the teeth will function together as they should. This will make it easier to keep them clean and healthy and give a smile that exudes beauty and confidence. Once the braces are finished, retainers are worn to maintain a great new smile for a lifetime!