Phase 1 Care: Early Orthodontic Treatment at All Smiles Orthodontics
Early intervention in orthodontics plays a significant role in ensuring proper dental and facial development. At All Smiles Orthodontics, our Phase 1 treatment is carefully designed for young patients who need timely assistance to induce optimal growth and create necessary space for permanent teeth. By addressing these issues early, we can often prevent problems from escalating in complexity.
Our practice, serving families in Crofton MD and Edgewater MD, is dedicated to offering quality care backed by the 20+ years of clinical experience of P. Todd Bonner.
Phase 1 Treatment in Orthodontics
Phase 1 Orthodontics (also known as interceptive treatment) is designed for children between the ages of six and ten. At this stage, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and their jawbones are still malleable. This unique developmental window allows P. Todd Bonner to guide jaw growth and correct bite issues more successfully than is possible during the teenage years.
Not every child needs Phase 1 intervention. However, for those who do, the results can be significant—ranging from improved chewing function to a simpler, shorter orthodontic experience later in life.
Our Approach
Our focus is on complete evaluation, early detection, and strategic planning. Whether your child requires assistance due to a structural concern, a bite problem, or severe crowding, we create an atmosphere of professionalism where every treatment decision is based entirely on your child's long-term developmental needs.
The Goal of Early Treatment
Phase 1 is not intended to finish the orthodontic process. Instead, its objective is to "set the stage" by establishing a healthy foundation for the adult teeth. It organizes the jaws, corrects misalignments caused by oral habits, and resolves skeletal discrepancies.
Common goals of early treatment include:
- Creating Space: Ensuring enough room exists for the eruption of permanent teeth.
- Guiding Growth: Directing the upper and lower jaws to grow harmoniously.
- Correcting Bites: Fixing functional issues like crossbites or underbites.
- Preventing Trauma: Reducing the risk of injury to protruding front teeth.
- Stopping Habits: resolving thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits that warp dental development.
Transitioning to Phase 2
After Phase 1 is complete, nearly all children enter a "resting period." During this time, P. Todd Bonner monitors the eruption of the remaining permanent teeth. Once all adult teeth have arrived, we evaluate the need for Phase 2 (comprehensive treatment), which focuses on the final alignment and detailing of the smile.
When is Phase 1 Recommended?
While many children can wait for treatment until their teen years, specific conditions require immediate attention to prevent permanent damage or the need for jaw surgery later in life.
Common conditions treated in Phase 1 include:
- Crossbite: Occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. This can cause the jaw to shift to one side, leading to uneven jaw growth and facial asymmetry. Early expansion can correct this permanently.
- Severe Crowding: If the jaw is too small for the adult teeth, early treatment can expand the arch to prevent teeth from becoming impacted (stuck in the bone).
- Underbite: Occurs when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth. This is often a skeletal growth issue. The childhood years offer the only window to effectively encourage upper jaw growth without surgery.
- Overjet (Protruding Teeth): Front teeth that stick out significantly are at high risk of breaking due to falls or sports trauma. Early treatment can retract these teeth to a safer position.
- Open Bite: Often caused by thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, this is when the front teeth do not touch even when the back teeth are closed. Early intervention can help break the habit and close the bite.
Treatment Options & Appliances
Phase 1 treatment is highly customized. P. Todd Bonner creates a unique plan which may involve:
- Palatal Expanders: To widen the upper jaw and correct crossbites.
- Partial Braces: Placed on specific teeth to correct minor alignment issues.
- Space Maintainers: To hold space open if a baby tooth is lost prematurely.
- Growth Modification Appliances: To correct jaw discrepancies.
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign First): For select mild cases, clear aligners can be used to expand the arch and align teeth without metal brackets.
Timeline
Most Phase 1 treatments last between 9 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case. We believe in open communication, ensuring that both parents and children understand exactly what the appliances are doing and how to care for them.
