Early orthodontic care is a key step in helping children achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist by the age of 7. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing our orthodontist to identify and address issues early. Dr. Raj Patil provides Phase I orthodontic treatment in Longmont and Erie, Colorado, to set the foundation for a lifetime of confident smiles.
What is Phase I Orthodontics?
Phase I, also known as early interceptive treatment, is designed to address orthodontic concerns in children between the ages of 7 and 10, before all permanent teeth have erupted. This phase helps:
- Create enough space for future permanent teeth
- Prevent crowding, crossbites and overbites
- Guide jaw development for proper alignment
The average treatment time for Phase I is nine to 18 months. Once complete, your child will wear retainers to maintain results until Phase II treatment, if needed, begins in their early teen years.
Monitoring Growth and Progress
After Phase I treatment, our team will monitor your child’s progress with no-fee visits every three to six months. These visits are essential to:
- Track the eruption of permanent teeth
- Ensure jaw growth continues properly
- Maintain the results of Phase I treatment
This growth observation period allows us to identify the best time for Phase II treatment, which typically occurs between the ages of 11 and 13 when most permanent teeth have come in.
Why Early Orthodontics Matters
Early intervention helps prevent more complex orthodontic issues later in life. By starting treatment early, we can help ensure that your child’s teeth and jaws develop correctly, creating space for permanent teeth and reducing the need for surgery or extensive treatment in the future.
To learn more about Phase I orthodontics, call Patil Orthodontics at 303-772-7722 today. We are ready to provide your child with a confident and healthy smile that will last a lifetime!