Dr. Estes and her team are committed to ensuring each patient and their families receive excellent care using state-of-the-art treatment options.
The two-phase treatment combines tooth straightening with physical facial changes. It allows us to take advantage of a jaw that is still growing in order to maximize our opportunity to create the most healthy, functional and aesthetically pleasing smile. The first phase of treatment allows the second phase to be more efficient and effective.
A Foundation for a Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles
Phase I treatment works to guide the growth of the jaw to ensure a harmonious bite and to make room for all of the permanent teeth. As your child is growing, we can identify discrepancies in jaw growth that may benefit from early orthodontic treatment. It is recommended that children visit an orthodontist in Albany, El Cerrito & Richmond for the first time around the age of seven. This allows us to begin treatment at the ideal time to have the most impact, and prevent more invasive procedures later.
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment can reduce or eliminate the need for extractions of permanent teeth or the need for jaw surgery later in life.
In between the two phases of treatment, there will be what we refer to as a resting period. During this time the remainder of the permanent teeth will erupt. During the first phase, enough room will be made to allow the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally.
Stay healthy and look your best
Phase Two is the straightening part of the treatment. Teeth are guided to their ideal locations, allowing the smile to be in harmony with the lips, cheeks and tongue, and ensure proper function.
The second phase will begin when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and will require braces or clear aligners to guide the teeth. The average treatment time for phase two is 18 months. Retainers will then be worn to ensure the teeth remain in their new locations.
Early treatment can be more efficient and effective, and reduce the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery if treatment is put off until later.
Early treatment allows us to do several things, such as
The best way to determine if your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment is to visit an orthodontist.
However, there are some things parents can be on the lookout for:
Dr. Estes and her team are committed to ensuring each patient and their families receive excellent care using state-of-the-art treatment options.