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Early treatment (sometimes called Phase I treatment) begins before all the adult teeth erupt into the mouth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation occur no later than age 7. Orthodontic treatment may not be necessary at this time, but early examination can determine the most ideal time to begin treatment. In our office, we generally only recommend early treatment if there is a skeletal problem or if there is moderate to severe crowding.

Why Age 7 Is Considered The Best Time For An Initial Evaluation
The first adult molars generally have erupted by age 7. These molars establish the posterior occlusion (back bite) and allow the orthodontist to better evaluate the tooth and jaw relationships. Early screening increases the possibility for a more effective treatment.

The Benefits of Early Evaluation
Early evaluation provides greater opportunity for more effective treatment as potential problems are detected earlier. Early intervention can aid in directing proper growth and development of the jaws, preventing serious problems later.

Some Advantages of Early Orthodontic Treatment

• Creating space for erupting teeth by reducing crowding
• Correcting jaw growth (skeletal problems)
• Maintaining space for the eruption of adult teeth
• Decreasing treatment time with braces
• Decreasing the need to remove adult teeth
• Correcting habits such as thumb sucking

Appliances

• Removable Expanders (Transverse, Sagittal, Cetlin)
• Fixed Expanders (Hyrax and W-expander)
• Headgear (Cervical and Reverse-pull)
• Lingual Arch
• Lip Bumper

Transverse and Sagittal Expanders
The purpose of the transverse or sagittal expander is to make the upper jaw wider. By expanding the upper jaw we can correct cross bites, and make space so that the adult teeth can be aligned properly.

Bonded Hyrax
The purpose of the bonded expander is to make the upper jaw wider. By expanding the upper jaw we can correct cross bites and make space so that the adult teeth can be aligned properly.

 

 

 

 

Banded Hyrax
The purpose of the banded Hyrax is to make the upper jaw wider. By expanding the upper jaw we can correct cross bites in the back of the mouth and create additional space to better align the adult teeth.

 

 

 

 

 

W- Expander
The purpose of the W-Expander is to make the upper jaw wider. By expanding the upper jaw we can correct cross bites in the back of the mouth and create additional space to better align the adult teeth.

 

Cervical Headgear
The headgear is used to assist in positioning the upper teeth and/or redirect or restrain the growth of the upper jaw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reverse Pull Headgear
The reverse pull headgear is used to place the upper teeth and upper jaw in a more forward position with respect to the lower teeth. This device is often used to help correct for an "underbite".

 

Lingual Arch
The lower lingual holding arch appliance is placed in the lower jaw (mandible) to hold the permanent first (six year) molars in place while baby teeth are falling out and permanent teeth are erupting. It is generally left in place until the lower second premolars (bicuspids) fully erupt into the mouth.

Lip Bumper
A lip Bumper is used to help maintain and gain space for the eruption of the lower adult teeth. A lip bumper is a metal bar that is secured in the mouth with metal bands and plastic “O” rings.
It is worn full time for approximately 1-2 years. It works by using pressure from the lips to push the back teeth back, and removing lip and cheek pressure from the rest of the teeth so that the lower dental arch can expand naturally. Often, we are able to gain enough space so that the removal (extraction) of adult teeth is not necessary.