In our last blog, we took a close look at the first phase of orthodontic treatment, which we start for kids as young as age seven. But what about the second phase, the one we recommend for teens or even adults starting treatment. In today’s blog, your Shirley, NY, pediatric dentist and orthodontist talks about Phase II orthodontics.
What Happens After Phase I?
Phase I involves retainers and space maintainers to help ensure proper eruption of the permanent teeth, and to guide the growth of the jawbone and oral structures to limit misalignment severity. This could begin as young as age seven, and continues until all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Once this occurs, the first portion ends and there is a resting period before the second part begins. This allows permanent ones to erupt and the jaw to reform around the new positions of the smile. Now, we’re ready for the next part.
Phase II
This typically occurs for older kids, often those entering the teen years. We could recommend braces to continue shifting the teeth and correcting misalignment, and offer a cosmetic approach using ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. We also have Invisalign®, which employs a series of clear and comfortable aligners to correct the positions of your teeth. The option we choose will depend on your preferences, as well as the severity of your misalignment. This will finish treatment and leave your child with a straighter and even smile. Not only does this mean a more attractive smile, but this also limits the risk of complications like tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ disorder, and bruxism (teeth grinding).
Adult Orthodontics
Did you know that we also offer care for adults too? This means your entire family can receive treatment in our office! For adults, we don’t need to start with the phased approach at all. Instead, we will typically recommend braces or Invisalign® to correct misalignment. We have cosmetic approaches, so you feel less self-conscious about starting treatment in adulthood, and remember that this not only means long-term esthetic improvement, but also a healthier and more functional smile as well.
If you want to see if this is right for you or a member of your family, then please contact our team today to learn more. We would love to help you on your journey to a healthier and straighter smile, so you can always smile with confidence!
See Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist
We would like to help our patients both young and old enjoy better oral health by correcting uneven teeth using an array of orthodontic systems. To learn more about our treatment options for teens and adults with misalignment, then contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.
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