Orthodontics is both an art and a science which can benefit patients of virtually any age. Dr. Carcara provides orthodontic treatment for adults, adolescents and children. The timing of orthodontic treatment is extremely important, particularly with younger patients which is why we follow the guidelines established by the American Association of Orthodontists which recommend all children receive an orthodontic evaluation at age seven.
Dr. Carcara implements many progressive treatments for patients as early as age seven which provide significant benefits, especially when jaw irregularities are present. Early diagnosis and treatment can help guide facial growth and tooth eruption, preventing irregularities from worsening. Treating children with these types of problems early, during their growth stages, allows us to achieve results that may not be possible once face and jaw bones have fully developed. Our goal with early treatment is to reduce treatment time in full braces and provide the best and most stable results possible.
What is Phase I (Preventive/Interceptive/Orthopedic) Treatment?
Phase I Treatment usually starts while the child has most of their baby teeth (primary teeth) and a few of their permanent front incisors. This stage in development usually begins around 7 to 8 years old.
The problems corrected in Phase I include skeletal dysplasia, crossbites and crowding. Phase I Treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This may help reduce the need for extractions or surgery, deliver better long-term results and treatment options, and usually results in less time in full braces during Phase II. Most Phase I patients require Phase II treatment with braces to complete the tooth and jaw alignment that was started during the first phase of treatment once all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
What are the advantages of Phase I Treatment?
Some of the most direct advantages of Phase I Treatment include creating room for crowded or erupting teeth, creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth, reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth (thus preserving space for un-erupted teeth), reducing the need for tooth removal and reducing treatment time with braces.
The goal of Phase I treatment can be any of the following:
- Prevent a problem from developing (preventive treatment)
- Intercept a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in order to reduce or eliminate it (interceptive treatment)
- Guide the growth of the jawbones which support the teeth (growth modification)
Does everyone need Phase I Treatment?
Absolutely not! Only certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most if not all of their permanent teeth erupt. An orthodontic evaluation by Dr. Carcara at the age of seven can help determine if any early treatment is needed. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, Dr. Carcara can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal. There is no charge to have your child monitored in our Growth Guidance Program
Can I wait on starting Phase I Treatment until my child is older?
Waiting on starting Phase I Treatment is not recommended. If your child needs Phase I Treatment this usually means he/she has a difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options become limited, more difficult, and the long-term stability may be compromised. In addition, waiting may lead to extractions, oral surgery and increased costs.
What is Phase II Treatment?
Phase II Treatment usually occurs several years later when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. This most commonly occurs at the age of 12 or 13. The goal of Phase II Treatment is to complete the tooth and jaw alignment that was started during the first phase of treatment.
What is Full or Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?
This is another name for orthodontic treatment in the late mixed dentition (the last baby teeth are about to be lost) or in the permanent dentition. It is more commonly used when a Phase I Treatment was not needed.
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