Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase 1 of orthodontic treatment, is done when a child has both baby and adult teeth and requires treatment with a fixed or removable appliance, or partial braces. The goal of phase 1 treatment is to correct jaw and dental development problems early on, providing a better environment for adult teeth and jaws to grow to their best potential. Phase 1 treatment can simplify (or even eliminate) the need for phase 2 treatment with full braces or clear aligners (Invisalign) in the future.

One of the things that makes our office special is our careful attention to the individual needs of each parent and child, especially when making the important decision of when to begin orthodontic treatment. You can be sure that Dr. Guedes will always answer this question with your child’s health in mind, just as she would for her own son.

If your child is not ready for orthodontic treatment, he or she will be placed in a complimentary recall program. Dr. Guedes will then follow your child’s dental growth and development overtime and determine if orthodontic treatment is required in the future.