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A Proactive Approach to Children's Orthodontic Care
As children grow, orthodontic issues can begin to take shape as well. That’s why it’s recommended that kids visit the orthodontist for the first time around age seven, when developing issues can be spotted in the earliest stages and treated effectively.
Early (Phase 1) orthodontics involves guiding proper jaw development to reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later in life. Rather than waiting until the teeth and jaws are fully developed, we can start treatment early and work with your child's development for a straighter smile.
Beginning orthodontic treatment at this early stage can also help address many common oral problems that kids face as they grow up, including speech and eating difficulties, snoring, teeth grinding, and more.
At our Fairbanks and North Pole orthodontic clinics, we provide jaw growth guidance with palatal expanders and offer traditional braces to support healthy, confident smiles for our young patients.
Complimentary Initial Consultations for Children
If you have concerns about your child’s orthodontic health, it’s a good idea to schedule an assessment with a specialist. Wentz Orthodontics offers a free initial evaluation to help you learn about your child’s unique needs and how orthodontics can help address any issues.
Early intervention, also known as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is for children between the ages of 5 to 11 who have developing bite, misalignment, or airway problems.
Phase 1 can include a variety of orthodontic treatments. At Wentz Orthodontics, the most common are braces and dentofacial orthopedics.
Our orthodontist and team can develop a customized treatment plan with Phases 1 and 2 mapped out in advance. This will help ensure your child's orthodontic care is as minimally invasive and efficient as possible.
Phase 1 also includes:
- Planning for the next phase
Phase 1 treatment is essentially preparation for Phase 2. Early orthodontic treatment plans are designed to minimize the need for invasive or extensive treatment during Phase 2, 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 keep copious records for reference in Phase 2. These records will note details such as the type of appliances used, the duration of treatment, and the frequency of visits. Records also include 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 to finish erupting undisturbed.
Retaining devices may not be recommended if they would interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement.
A successful first phase will have created room for permanent teeth to erupt into the best possible position, needing less adjusting in the second phase.
- Monitoring tooth progress
At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. This will be accomplished during your child's Phase 2 orthodontic treatment.
Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may enhance eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually every six months.
Phase 2 picks up right where Phase 1 stops, once all the permanent teeth have erupted. At this stage, some final adjustments may be needed to completely straighten your child's teeth. These adjustments can be made with either braces or Invisalign Teen.
Phase 2 orthodontic treatment is typically less intense than orthodontic treatment would be without Phase 1 treatment.
We think of it as fine-tuning your teen's smile after all the groundwork was laid in Phase 1 – it's the finishing touch. Phase 2 treatment is also typically shorter than Phase 1 (six to 12 months).
- Continuing on the path to a healthy smile
The goal of the second phase is to ensure that each tooth is positioned in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth.
- 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.
Braces for Children
At Wentz Orthodontics, we use braces to guide the development of children's teeth and jaws for healthier, straighter smiles.