At Kids Dental Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Bosede Adeniji, and our caring team are passionate about guiding healthy smiles through customized orthodontic plans.
If you’ve been thinking about early orthodontic treatment or recently learned your child might need it, understanding the two stages is crucial. Read on to learn about both phases and what to expect.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic exam no later than age 7. That's when your child has a mix of baby and adult teeth, so it's the right time to assess both the teeth and the jaw.
A simple, quick orthodontic exam in our office with Dr. Adeniji can determine whether your child needs orthodontic intervention. If so, we move to phase one.
Phase one orthodontic treatment typically begins at ages 6-10. Some common methods to help correct problems during this time include:
The goals during this phase are to guide healthy jaw growth, correct issues like jaw misalignment, create space for adult teeth to erupt, and reduce the need for permanent teeth extraction later.
After phase one, a resting phase is common. During this time, Dr. Adeniji monitors your child's growth and progress to determine whether they need stage two and, if so, the best time to start it. The transition phase can be anywhere from a year to several years.
Phase two orthodontic treatment usually occurs around ages 11-13, once most or all permanent teeth appear.
In phase two, Dr. Adeniji reinforces the improvements made in phase one and helps guide your child's teeth to their final alignment. Phase two improves both functions like biting and chewing as well as appearance (a straight smile.)
This phase of treatment usually involves either traditional braces (metal or ceramic) or Invisalign® clear aligners. This choice can vary based on the degree of alignment correction your child needs.
Invisalign is often the preferred choice because it's virtually invisible and metal-free, making it the most comfortable option.
In most cases, phase two is shorter than the first phase, taking 12-15 months on average.
Not necessarily. Phase two treatment isn't always required, underscoring the importance of phase one to lay a good foundation for healthy jaw and tooth development.
If you're concerned about how your child's teeth are erupting, or if they're nearing age 7 and haven't had an orthodontic evaluation yet, don't wait to see our experts at Kids Dental Center.
Parents often praise Dr. Adeniji for her gentle, reassuring approach. She's always happy to listen, support our young patients, and prescribe treatment plans that help reinforce good oral health for a lifetime.
Phone our office at 301-345-2881 today or contact us here to book your child's appointment at Kids Dental Center.
