An orthodontist is a dental specialist who corrects bad bites and misaligned teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child have their first appointment with an orthodontist in Evanston by the time they are seven years old. Children have some of their permanent teeth by that age, and the orthodontist will be able to spot developing problems.
What Is the Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
The two-phase orthodontic treatment is just that. The orthodontist will perform treatments at two different stages of a child’s development in order to take advantage of some predictable aspects of their growth.
The first phase takes place while the child still has some baby teeth. It may involve correcting bite problems or even developing jaw problems. For example, a child may have an abnormally narrow palate that does not provide enough space for all of their adult teeth. The orthodontist can prescribe an appliance called a palatal expander that will widen the palate over the next several months. The palatal expander works because children still have relatively soft and flexible bones. By contrast, an adult who wants to widen their palate would need surgery.
There will be a resting period after the completion of the first phase during which the rest of the permanent teeth develop. The second phase will start when the child is around 12 years old and has all of their permanent teeth except for the wisdom teeth. The second phase typically involves straightening the teeth with braces or aligners.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a set of clear plastic aligners or trays that fit snugly over the patient’s teeth. Like conventional braces, they work by gradually nudging teeth into their proper alignment. Unlike braces, the aligners are removable, which makes it much easier for the patient to properly clean their teeth. Invisalign also enables patients to eat and drink what they want.
Contact Lippitz Orthodontics or visit our website to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist in Evanston.
