Nanda Orthodontics

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Phase 1

Some children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment. At this age, teeth and jaws are still growing, so early treatment is aimed at utilizing appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established, providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth.

This early, interceptive correction may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a severe jaw discrepancy to achieve an ideal result with braces.

Why Early Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. This may seem early for a visit. At this age, the front teeth have begun to erupt and problems can be detected.

Conditions Requiring Early Treatment

… Underbites – when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
… Crossbites – when the jaw shifts to one side
… Very crowded teeth
… Excessively spaced teeth
… Extra or missing teeth
… Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
… Thumb-, finger-, or pacifier- sucking that is affecting the teeth or jaw growth

Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. The orthodontist could prescribe a fixed or removable “appliance” – a device used to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order to bring desirable changes. Sometimes no appliances are necessary. Rather, removal of some baby teeth may help the permanent teeth erupt better. The extractions will be timed to take the best advantage of a patient’s growth and development.

Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

Types of early treatment

We offer a variety of specialized orthodontic services to help patients achieve their best smile, including Herbst appliances, D-Gainers, Nitanium Expanders, and Schwartz Appliances. Our expert team will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals

Herbst

The Herbst Appliance is an orthodontic device that corrects an overbite by encouraging the lower jaw to catch up in growth.

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DGainer

DGainer, also known as a limited fixed appliance is a combination of Damon orthodontic brackets placed on permanent front teeth and the first permanent molars.

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Nitanium Expander

The Nitanium Expander helps correct molar rotations while expanding the arch at the same time.

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Schwartz Appliance

The Schwartz Appliance is a removable tool that also helps correct narrow arches.

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Carriere® Motion Appliance

The SAGITTAL FIRST™ Philosophy is a ground-breaking approach that standardizes, simplifies, and shortens Class II and Class III treatment. It employs the Carriere® MOTION 3D™ Appliance to treat the AP dimension at the beginning of treatment before placing brackets or aligners.

Treatment for underbite

Treatment for overbite

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Click to watch explanation video

Invisalign First™

A new treatment that can improve children’s smiles as they grow.

Invisalign First treatment is designed for little smiles.
As a child grows, their smile grows with them. And even with baby teeth, it may be the perfect time for children ages 6 to 10 to start orthodontic treatment. This is known as Phase 1 treatment.

Learn more

Smile Gallery