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Early Orthodontic Care for Growing Smiles
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by age 7.
Early orthodontic treatment, often referred to as Phase 1 Treatment, predominantly focuses on guiding the growth and development of the teeth and jaws while your child is still developing. In some instances, early intervention can help simplify future orthodontic treatment, improve jaw development, and create space for future permanent teeth.
At our Calgary orthodontic clinic, we offer a range of early treatment options, including palatal expanders, Invisalign First® clear aligners, and traditional braces. If treatment isn't needed yet, we'll continue to monitor your child's growth through our Growth Guidance Program, where they can also enjoy Cory's First-Class Kids Club while we determine the ideal time for treatment.
Complimentary Initial Consultations for Children
If you or your general dentist have concerns about your child's orthodontic health, an assessment by an orthodontist may be in order. Bring your child in to Cory Liss Orthodontics for a free initial orthodontic evaluation.
Early intervention, also known as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is for children between the ages of five and 11 who have developing bite, misalignment, or airway problems.
Phase 1 can include a variety of orthodontic treatments. The most common are palatal expansion, braces, Invisalign First, and treatment for airway issues.
We'll develop a customized treatment plan where Phases 1 and 2 are 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 things like the type of appliances used, the duration of treatment time, 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 find an eruption path.
- 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 where Phase 1 left off, once all the permanent teeth have erupted. It involves making the remaining changes to the smile and bite with either braces or Invisalign Teen.
Phase 2 orthodontic treatment is typically more moderate than regular orthodontic treatment would be if Phase 1 was skipped over.
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.
Early Orthodontic Treatments for Kids
These are a few of the most common orthodontic treatment options for kids at Cory Liss Orthodontics.
Braces for Children
At Cory Liss Orthodontics, we use braces to guide the development of children's teeth and jaws for healthier, straighter smiles.
Invisalign & Clear Aligners
Invisalign First is Invisalign just for kids! This system of clear aligners works with your child's developing smile to straighten teeth and correct jaw misalignments.
Palate Expanders for Children
Learn about palatal expansion and its benefits in correcting narrow arches in children.