Phase I Treatment (aka Early Treatment)

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Premier Orthodontic Care for Your Child in Corning, NY

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Dr. Brown knows all about the impact a confident smile will make in your child’s future. Our orthodontic practice offers the most advanced technology in orthodontics, allowing us to customize your child’s treatment plan based on his/her personal goals and needs. Committed to providing exceptional orthodontic care, Dr. Brown and her team assist children in Corning, NY, Mansfield, PA, and their surrounding locations, including Horseheads, NY and Elmira, NY. We invite you to learn how early treatment works at our practice.

When is the Best Time to Begin Orthodontics?

Though Dr. Brown improves smiles for patients of all ages, she strongly urges parents to bring their children in for an orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of an orthodontic problem or no later than age 7. Dr. Brown follows this recommendation directly from the American Association of Orthodontists. Orthodontic treatment may or may not be necessary at this young age, but visits at such an early age will ensure that your child receives the most effective orthodontic procedures when the time is right.

Why is Age 7 Considered the Optimal Time for Screening?

Generally, by the time your child turns seven, his/her first adult molars should have erupted, which create the back bite. The back bite helps Dr. Brown study front-to-back and side-to- side tooth relationships. Also at this time, incisors are erupting and often indicate whether an excessive overbite, an open bite, crowding or gummy smiles may be developing. By taking your child to see Dr. Brown for a screening, she will let you know if your child is developing any of these issues and you’ll be educated on whether or not it’s the appropriate time for early orthodontic intervention, or Phase I Orthodontic treatment.

What are the Benefits of an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?

When you take your child to see Dr. Brown by age 7, your child will benefit in a variety of ways, including the following:

  • Greater opportunity for more effective treatment
  • Prevention of serious problems that may occur at a later age
  • Timely detection of orthodontic issues and malocclusions (bad bites)
  • Growth and development guidance through prudent intervention

Sometimes orthodontic intervention may not be necessary at age 7 but an early orthodontic evaluation allows Dr. Brown to place your child on a complimentary recall schedule to be seen in 3, 6, or 12 months. This is so Dr. Brown can monitor your child’s growth and development and recommend treatment at the ideal time.

Why Should Malocclusions be Treated?

Malocclusions are bad bites, such as crowded teeth, protruding teeth, crossbites and openbites. Bad bites occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment and should be treated to prevent the following resulting problems:

  • Crowded teeth make it difficult for brushing and flossing purposes, which sometimes result in tooth decay and/or gum disease.
  • Protruding teeth increase the chances of chipping your teeth.
  • Crossbites may result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
  • Openbites may cause bad habits like tongue-thrusting and speech impediments.

Ultimately, orthodontics with Dr. Brown will not only result in a healthier bite for your child, but it will give your child confidence in their smile!

What are the Advantages of Phase I Orthodontic Treatment (Early Treatment)?

Phase I Orthodontic treatment is perfect for children who have both baby and adult teeth present. Dr. Brown lists some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment here:

  • Creation of room for crowded, erupting teeth
  • Formation of facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
  • Risk reduction of trauma to protruding front teeth
  • Space preservation for un-erupted teeth
  • Decreased need for future removal of adult teeth
  • Less treatment time with braces as an adolescent

Schedule Your Child’s First Visit!

Our two convenient office locations give us the opportunity to not only offer our orthodontic services to children in Corning, NY and Mansfield, PA, but it also allows us to assist surrounding communities, including Elmira, NY and Horseheads, NY. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s first visit or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Dr. Brown and her team look forward to meeting you and your child.