Phase I: Early Treatment
Dr. Brown follows the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation that parents should bring their children in for an evaluation at the first sign of an orthodontic problem or no later than age 7. Orthodontic treatment may or may not be necessary at that age, but visits at such an early age will ensure that your child receives the most effective orthodontic procedures when the time is right.
Generally, by the time your child turns 7, their first adult molars should have erupted, which creates the back bite. The back bite helps Dr. Brown study front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. Also, at this time, incisors are erupting and often indicate whether an excessive overbite, an open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles may be developing. By taking your child for a screening, you’ll know if your child is developing any of these issues and Dr. Brown will let you know when it’s the appropriate time to start early orthodontic or Phase I treatment.