Shirley, NY, dentist offers phase one treatment before the orthodontic process

If your child’s teeth are crooked or overcrowded, you may be ready to start orthodontic treatment as soon as possible to help correct these issues. However, the smile alignment process starts before your kid can begin wearing braces. This preliminary step is used to assess their needs, and problem areas, and ensure that the jaw has grown properly before beginning. The team at Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics in NY can help guide your little one through this first step and throughout the process of braces.

What Is Phase One Treatment?

It is recommended that you bring your child in to see the orthodontist for the first time around the age of seven. This initial visit will be used as a consultation. The dentist will examine their oral cavity and may take X-rays or pictures using an intraoral camera to get a closer look at their alignment. These will be used to estimate their treatment timeline. Phase one treatment can be used to ensure that their jaw has developed properly and their will be enough space to make any necessary adjustments when straightening their teeth. Your orthodontist may recommend having space maintainers placed if your child has experienced premature tooth loss or may wear an expanded to help guide their jaw into place. If you have any questions about the orthodontic process, this is a great time to get answers.

How Braces Can Align Your Smile

If you have had an orthodontic consultation elsewhere, but would like a second opinion, we offer free consultations. We will examine your smile and discuss possible treatment plans with you. This can help you feel more confident before starting this process.

Traditional braces are one of the best ways to correct crooked or overcrowded teeth in young patients. With this method, metal brackets will be bonded to each of their teeth and held in place with arch wire. The colorful bands that may be commonly associated with this method will be used to keep these together. Your child can customize their braces by picking from a variety of different colored bands. Every few weeks, you will need to come in to have your brackets adjusted or wires tightened. On average, this treatment process may take around one to three years. This can vary depending on the severity of your alignment concerns.

We Offer Care For Adults

Are you an adult patient looking to correct your grin? We can help you, too. We know that traditional braces may not be optimal for patients straightening their teeth as adults. Instead, ceramic braces or Invisalign may be available instead. Invisalign uses a series of clear trays to move your teeth into the proper position. Ceramic braces are similar to the traditional metal ones but use transparent brackets instead to be more discreet.

Schedule Their Appointment Today

Call Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics in Shirley, NY, at 631.399.1600 to book an orthodontic consultation for yourself or your little one.