Drs. McNeill and McCulloch often recommend that orthodontic treatment be divided into two phases:
- An early, pre-adolescent phase, starting usually after age 7 but occasionally even earlier, and
- A second phase after all the adult teeth have come in to place – anytime between age 11 and age 13.
The guiding principle is that certain types of correction can be accomplished most easily and most conservatively at an early stage of development while final detailed bite positioning and tooth alignment cannot be done until after all the permanent teeth are in place. If significant problems such as severe overbite or underbite, cross-bites, and front tooth protrusion are eliminated by early orthodontic treatment, the duration, complexity, and cost of adolescent treatment can be substantially reduced. In many cases the second treatment phase can be done effectively using the Invisalign Teen™ system of clear removable aligners. For social reasons, adolescents are delighted when the length of time they have to wear full braces is kept to a minimum. And they are especially appreciative if they qualify for Invisalign Teen™!
Do you have questions about two-phase orthodontic treatment? The doctors at Orthodontic Associates of Mercer Island would be pleased to meet with you to evaluate your child’s orthodontic health care needs and to discuss options for, and optimum timing of, orthodontic treatment. We welcome you to call our office at 206 232 9600 to schedule a no cost EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT.
EARLY PARTIAL BRACES PHASE ONE