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The Importance of Early Orthodontic Treatment: A Real Case Study

September 26, 2024


Many parents wonder when their child might need early orthodontic treatment. In a recent case, we treated a seven-year-old patient who had severe dental crowding. Her pediatric dentist referred her to our office due to the lack of space for her adult teeth to erupt properly. After starting Phase One Treatment with an expander and partial braces, we saw incredible results in just 11 months. We created enough space for her lateral incisors to align properly and even made room for future teeth, preventing the need for extractions later on.

Why Early Intervention Is Critical

Phase One Treatment allows orthodontists to guide the development of a child’s teeth and jaw before permanent teeth have fully erupted. In this case, the patient’s lateral incisors were crowded and blocked from emerging into the dental arch. Starting treatment early enabled us to create space for those teeth and set the stage for healthy dental development. Without early intervention, the patient would likely have needed extractions of four teeth to address the crowding later in life.

What Is Phase One Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase One treatment is designed for children who still have a mix of baby and adult teeth. It often involves appliances like expanders to widen the dental arches, creating space for the permanent teeth to grow in. In this case, the expander combined with partial braces helped align the patient’s teeth and avoid more invasive treatment later on. Within just 11 months, we made enough space for her adult teeth to erupt properly, and her smile was on the path to a healthy future.

The Two Phases of Orthodontic Care

After Phase One, we monitored the patient’s dental development over the next few years, waiting for her remaining permanent teeth to fully erupt. Once that occurred, we began Phase Two, which involved a second round of braces to finalize her treatment. The result was a beautifully aligned smile without the need for any tooth extractions.

This two-phase approach allows us to address major issues early on and then refine the smile as the patient grows. It ensures a more effective, less invasive treatment plan, leading to a healthier and more aligned smile in the long run.

Watch the Transformation: Video Case Study

For a closer look at this incredible transformation, click here to watch the video and see the before-and-after images that show the patient’s journey. Visuals make it easy to understand the power of early orthodontic intervention.

Schedule Your Child’s Free Consultation

If you have concerns about your child’s dental development or are unsure whether they need orthodontic care, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with Parsons Orthodontics. Early evaluations can help prevent more complicated treatment down the road, ensuring your child’s smile grows healthy and aligned.

Fill out the form below to request an appointment or call us at 561.429.5414.

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