Early Treatment

Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

First Phase Treatment (early/interceptive)

The goal of early treatment is to intercept and correct orthodontic conditions that, if not treated early, could result in dental or skeletal irregularities too severe to be treated with braces alone. Ninety-percent of a child’s face is fully developed by the age of 12. It is not logical to initiate treatment when 90% of a deformity is complete.

The benefits of early treatment are well known. The American Association of Orthodontists has placed its stamp of approval on the advantages of interceptive treatment for several years. Often times, early treatment can stop the progression of a deformity and hinder it from worsening.

The majority of deformities can be categorized into one of three groups: dental, skeletal or damaging habits. Dental irregularities often occur as a result of inadequate jaw length or width. Skeletal deformities occur when upper or lower jaw growth is either too much or insufficient, or too narrow or crooked. Oral habits, such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking, can be harmful to the teeth and the jaws. As a child matures and develops, early signs of these conditions may be present.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. Children tend to be more cooperative at this age, and can benefit greatly from interceptive treatment.

Timely screening and treatment may prevent:

  • Extraction of permanent teeth later on
  • The need for surgical procedures to correct jaw misalignment
  • Trauma to protruded teeth
  • Eliminate harmful habits, like finger or thumb sucking
  • Reduce the length of time necessary for second-phase treatment
At the beginning of this stage of treatment, we will take your child’s orthodontic records. Dr. Kallis will examine their condition and determine a treatment plan that is suitable for their needs. 

Resting Period
The success of interceptive treatment establishes an environment for the proper alignment of the permanent teeth. During this stage of treatment, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. Baby teeth may need to be removed to positively impact tooth eruption. Dr. Kallis will need to see your child every 4-6 months to monitor progress during this phase.

Second-Phase Treatment

Since most of the permanent teeth have not erupted before the end of interceptive treatment, a second-phase of treatment is generally needed to arrange the teeth in their final placement.

As William Proffitt, a renowned orthodontist and teacher once said, "we are rarely so successful in a first phase of treatment that a second phase will not be required".

We want your child to obtain good facial symmetry, with the teeth functioning in harmony with the muscle and joints. Once all the permanent teeth erupt, Dr. Kallis will initiate the second phase of treatment. Your child will wear braces for approximately 18-24 months.