Be Proactive With Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment in Brooklyn
Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment in Brooklyn
In medical care you often hear “prevention is better than the cure,” and in orthodontics that message is no different. By taking proactive measures, Brooklyn Orthodontics can begin treating your child’s teeth before they become a larger problem. We can identify bite and space issues early on in preparation for larger concerns.
When should I first bring my child in for bite and teeth alignment evaluations?
We hear this question often. Children as young as seven can have their teeth evaluated. Dr. Mohamed AlJanabi recommends this age because some of the adult teeth are already erupting and spacing and bite issues can already be recognized.
How does the two phase treatment work?
Two phase orthodontic treatment in Brooklyn is broken down into steps that start around age seven. There are eight vital permanent teeth that must erupt first: the four permanent first molars and the four lower front teeth. These teeth act as anchors for orthodontic appliances.
In the first phase, diagnostic exams will be performed, including x-rays, bite registrations, and face and mouth photographs. These are necessary to form the framework for treatment. Treatment typically begins to combat early concerns, such as an undersized jaw or poor habits, such as mouth breathing or thumb sucking. Bi-annual visits will allow Dr. AlJanabi to ensure the first stage of treatment is successful and that any current appliances aren’t preventing the eruption of other permanent teeth. Primary teeth may be extracted to accommodate permanent teeth and encourage proper growth.
The second phase usually occurs between 12-14 years of age, once primary teeth have all erupted. Now the teeth can be adjusted to their final intended positions. At this point, Dr. AlJanabi will fit the child for upper and lower braces. Your child will come in for regular evaluations to have the braces incrementally adjusted to move teeth to their final position. After braces are removed, a retainer will be used to prevent teeth from recoiling to their previous positions.
What are the benefits of a two phase treatment?
Two phase treatment allows you to plan ahead for orthodontic care. By recognizing a problem early in the stages of dental development, Dr. AlJanabi can make recommendations for treatment at various stages. The staff at Brooklyn Orthodontics is able to treat issues before they become overwhelming and costly concerns. This not only allows you to plan the best course of action for the treatment plan, but it also allows parents to financially plan for treatment. The treatments are spread out over several years and allow parents to plan their expenses better by knowing what lies ahead. A proactive approach also provides a more accurate and successful result for the child.
Two phase orthodontic treatment allows parents and doctors to take a proactive approach to create a lifetime of healthy smiles for the child. These preventative measures will ensure your child the best care and a successful adjustment. If you are interested in a bite alignment evaluation and two phase orthodontic treatment, contact Brooklyn Orthodontics today at (718) 333-5898.