Some children benefit from Two-Phase or “Interceptive” Orthodontic Treatment. This combines intercepting and guiding a child’s facial growth with the straightening of his or her adult teeth. Some children exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow. For example, an upper jaw that is growing too much or is too narrow and crowding the front teeth can be recognized at an early age.
If children ages six to eight have a jaw discrepancy or crowded front teeth, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. This early, or Interceptive, treatment can prevent the need to extract permanent teeth or surgically realign the jaws later in life.
The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish an ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic smile that will remain stable throughout life. Keep in mind that not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment, and in some cases it may be recommended that a patient wait until he or she is older to receive care.
Interceptive Treatment Allows Your Orthodontist To:
- Correct and guide the growth of your son or daughter’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
PHASE ONE: Create Room for Permanent Teeth
The goal of Phase-One treatment is to guide jaw development in a way that will accommodate all permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Phase I usually begins between ages six and eight, when children’s facial growth can be guided to align their jaws properly and create space for all their permanent teeth. A successful first phase will create room for permanent teeth to find an eruption path without become impacted or severely displaced.
Rad Orthodontics Reviews
The Potomac Orthodontist Office Is TRULY The Best!! The Staff Goes Above And Beyond There Duties Making Your Experience Very Comfortable.Dr Rad Is Exceptionally In His Craft. He Makes You Feel Like Family And No Questions Are Never To Big Or Little To Get A Positive Answer đź’Ż I've Had Braces On Twice Before And Had The Worst Out Come. Coming To Dr Rad For Braces The Three Time Was The Best Choice I Will Be Referring My Family And Friends.
I just got my braces off this past Monday so this review encompasses my experience from the past 18 months.For the past year and a half, I have come in about every 6 weeks and I honestly don’t think I have had any negative experiences to note. All of the staff have been nothing but friendly and professional, especially the front desk staff. The techs and orthodontists (I have been seen by both Dr. Rad and Dr. Le) are always prepared. Either their memory is impeccable or their documentation is very thorough because I always feel like I am coming in where we left off. They also have very convenient locations for anyone living in the Rockville/Bethesda area and I love that even though I started my treatment at one location, the move to another location was pretty seamless. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but once all of my retainer follow ups are complete, I think I’ll actually miss going into the office.Overall, I highly recommend this practice. The orthodontists, techs, and other staff are top tier. If you are considering this practice for your child’s orthodontic needs, I can attest that they are also good with children just by witnessing some of the interactions around me during my appointments.Finally, just wanted to note that my appointments were always pretty quick after getting my braces on but they didn’t feel rushed. I was almost always seen on time as well.
always great service and care.
By far the best experience
Drs Mehdi and David Rad are very thorough and professional. Brea, dental assistant was excellent as well.Thank you for your excellent work
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RESTING PERIOD: Allow Permanent Teeth to Erupt
Between Phases One and Two, permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt. Retaining devices may or may not be recommended, depending on whether they interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement.
Keep in mind that teeth are not in their final positions at the end of the first phase of treatment. This will be determined and accomplished in the second phase, which occurs after all permanent teeth have come in. Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.
PHASE TWO: Straightening Permanent Teeth
The goal of Phase Two is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly.
This second phase begins when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces or aligners on all the teeth. Often, an added benefit for children receiving interceptive treatment is a shorter treatment time when full braces are used during Phase Two. Retainers are worn after this phase to maintain the new position of each tooth.
