Early Treatment/Phase I Treatment
Phase I Treatment
Children with significant orthodontic problems at an early age (6 to 10 years old) may require two phases of orthodontic treatment. The goals of phase I (interceptive) treatment are to improve growth discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws, to correct immediate dental problems that may be present (crossbites, open bites, severe crowding, etc.) and to minimize the severity of the developing bite. After phase I treatment, a child may need a second phase (Phase II)of treatment at a later time once the majority of permanent teeth have erupted.
Phase II usually involves a full set of braces (upper and lower) to align the teeth and perfect the bite (occlusion). Whether or not a child needs a second phase of orthodontic treatment depends on the size and position of the teeth that erupt, the manner in which the teeth fit together, the effectiveness of phase I treatment and the dental expectations of the child and the parents. Successful completion of phase I treatment does not guarantee that teeth will erupt in perfect alignment and good occlusion, but it may make phase II optional. However, if the child and parents desire perfect tooth alignment and an ideal bite, a second phase of orthodontic treatment is usually necessary.
Not every child requires two phases of orthodontic treatment. Mild orthodontic problems can be treated with a single phase of orthodontic treatment. Severe orthodontic problems that are treated with two phases of orthodontic treatment produce more esthetic and more stable orthodontic results than if only one phase of treatment is done.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
What are the advantages of interceptive/Phase I treatment?
* Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
* Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
* Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
* Preserving space for unerupted teeth
* Reducing the need for tooth removal
* Reducing treatment time with braces
Should Thumb/Finger Sucking Habit be treated?
Thumb or finger sucking in young children (under the age of 4 years) is a normal occurrence and usually should not be a cause for concern. However, thumb sucking in older children can lead to significant orthodontic problems. Most children will stop thumb sucking on their own before dental problems develop. Older children will frequently stop sucking after they begin school as a result of peer pressure. Thumb sucking after the permanent teeth have started to erupt (ages 5 to 6 years) frequently causes dental problems. Insufficient vertical overlap of the front teeth (an open bite) is the most frequent dental problem associated with thumb sucking. Some dental problems may self-correct once the sucking has stopped, while others require orthodontic treatment for correction. Orthodontic appliances can assist your child in stopping a thumb sucking habit. Correction of dental problems caused by sucking habits are more effectively treated at an early age before all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
