The American Association of orthodontists recommends that every child have an initial orthodontic screening appointment at age seven. Early Treatment or two phase orthodontic treatment is a treatment approach in which the child receives orthodontic treatment at two different stages in their development. The first Phase, when needed, is usually performed at seven or eight years of age during their early transitional dentition when the child has most of his primary teeth.
Some orthodontic problems such as posterior and antertior crossbites, thumb sucking habit, ectopic eruption of first permanent molars, severe crowding, and premature loss of primary teeth may benefit from early correction. The goal of early treatment is to create a more favorable environment for the permanent teeth by preventing or intercepting a potential problem from developing by modifying the child’s growth. Other orthodontic appliances are utilized during this first stage. Braces may or may not be used during this stage of treatment.
The second phase of treatment is usually performed when they have most or all of their permanent teeth (except third molars). Braces are usually required to move the permanent teeth and jaws into their final alignment to complete the correction achieved with the first stage of treatment.