Phase 1 (Early Treatment) and Phase 2
There are orthodontic advantages to treating certain cases in two separate stages.
The question we get most often is “What is the right age for my child to visit the orthodontist?”
Even if your child still has baby teeth, they should be seen by the orthodontist by age 7. Dr. Spain will not necessarily recommend treatment at that age, but enough permanent teeth have arrived for him to evaluate how the teeth and jaws meet, and to identify current or developing problems. If a problem is detected, Dr. Spain will discuss when treatment may be necessary. Sometimes Dr. Spain recommends treatment in younger patients when appropriate or may defer treatment until the patient is older if the problem is minor.
Typically, an Early Treatment (Phase 1) will be short and address a specific problem. Then, once treatment is completed, your child will be monitored by Dr. Spain until they are ready for comprehensive treatment (Phase 2). Often times, patients that require a phase 1 treatment will need a comprehensive treatment (phase 2) at an older age.
