In many cases children can start treatment once all of the permanent teeth have erupted. However, some children have such severe issues with his/her smile and/or bite that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. An examination at this stage will allow Dr. Ballou to recommend early treatment if necessary. Dr. Ballou will answer any questions you have regarding your child’s bite so that you can make an informed decision regarding treatment.  If early treatment is initiated it is divided into 2-phases of treatment: 

Phase 1 - consists of limited braces to direct the growth relationship of the teeth and jaws into a more ideal relationship.

Resting and Monitoring Period-Patients are given retainers at the end of Phase 1 and periodic recall appointments will be scheduled in order to monitor the patient’s growth to determine the ideal time to start Phase 2 treatment.  Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be recommended in order to enhance the eruption of the remaining adult teeth during this resting phase.

Phase 2 - usually started once all of the permanent teeth have erupted.  The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly.