Provider
Children's Orthodontic Care in Orangeville & Georgetown
As your child grows and develops, orthodontic issues could be developing too. An orthodontic assessment around age seven provides an opportunity to diagnose, monitor and treat emerging issues when the time is right.
At Meldrum Orthodontics, we take a moderate approach to Phase 1 early orthodontics for children, based primarily on monitoring growth and gently guiding development in an effort to reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later in life.
We'll only intervene when we feel it's necessary, usually in cases where the child has a narrow upper jaw, a crossbite, or when adult teeth are being blocked from growing into their proper position.
Our Georgetown and Orangeville orthodontists offer palatal expansion and traditional braces as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment for our young patients.
Complimentary Initial Consultations for Children
If you or your general dentist have concerns about your child's orthodontic health, an orthodontic assessment by one of our specialists may be in order. Bring your child in to Meldrum Orthodontics for a free initial orthodontic evaluation.
Early intervention, also known as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is for children between the ages of five and 11 who have developing bite, misalignment, or airway problems.
We believe in a less-is-more approach to Phase 1 treatment, carefully monitoring your child's jaw development, beginning treatment only when necessary and carefully mapping out a plan for Phase 2 treatment.
When suitable, Phase 1 treatment may include palatal expansion, braces, or treatment for a range of airway issues, as well as:
- Planning for the next phase
Phase 1 treatment is essentially done in preparation for Phase 2. Early orthodontic treatment plans are designed to gently guide jaw development to help minimize the need for more invasive or extensive treatment later on in life, such as the removal of permanent teeth, or surgical procedures to realign the jaw.
- Records to inform treatment
During your child's Phase 1 treatment, we'll diligently monitor their jaw development and keep copious records for reference in Phase 2. These records will note things like the type of appliances used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records consist of models of the teeth, X-rays, and photographs.
- A resting period
Following the completion of your child's first phase of orthodontic treatment, the permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt.
Retaining devices may not be recommended if they would interfere with normal tooth eruption. It is best to allow the permanent teeth some freedom of movement.
Successful Phase 1 treatment will have created room for permanent teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced.
- Monitoring tooth progress
At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. This will be determined and accomplished during Phase 2 orthodontic treatment.
Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.
Phase 2 orthodontic treatment begins once all the permanent teeth have come in. It can be a stand-alone treatment or a continuation of the progress made through phase one treatment.
For kids with less severe orthodontic misalignments, beginning treatment once all the adult teeth have emerged is often ideal, and allows us to adjust the alignment to achieve a smile that's straight and healthy.
For children with more severe orthodontic issues, Phase 1 treatment sets the groundwork and makes space for the adult teeth to come in. Following a brief resting period, Phase 2 treatment using Invisalign Teen or braces can fine-tune tooth and bite alignment.
- Continuing on the path to a healthy smile
The goal of the second phase is to make sure each and every tooth is optimally positioned in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. It's generally much shorter than Phase 1, often taking as little as six to 12 months to complete.
- Phase 2 braces or aligner treatment
- Maintenance and retainers
Once Phase 2 treatment comes to a close, retainers will be created for your child. These will be worn on an ongoing basis to ensure that treatment results are maintained long-term.
Request Consultation
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