The Power of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment isn't just about straightening teeth...it's about creating healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smiles that stand the test of time. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is an advanced approach that addresses orthodontic issues in two distinct stages, offering a comprehensive solution for children with complex dental concerns.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is designed for children whose oral development presents unique challenges that can't be effectively addressed with a single phase of orthodontic care. This approach recognizes that certain issues are best corrected during specific stages of dental growth. By strategically timing treatment, Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger can guide the growth and alignment of the jaw and teeth, achieving optimal results.

The first phase of two-phase treatment, often referred to as early intervention or interceptive orthodontics, typically begins between the ages of 6 and 10. During this phase, orthodontists focus on addressing skeletal discrepancies, bite issues, and oral habits that, if left unaddressed, could lead to more severe problems later in life.

Common goals of Phase 1 treatment include:

Guiding Jaw Growth: Early intervention allows Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger to influence jaw growth while the child's facial bones are still developing. This can help prevent more complex issues from arising in the future.

Creating Space: In cases of severe crowding, Phase 1 treatment can create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, reducing the likelihood of extractions later.

Correcting Habits: Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and other oral habits can impact dental development. Phase 1 treatment helps correct these habits to promote healthy growth.

After the initial phase, there's typically a resting period during which the child's remaining permanent teeth erupt naturally. Once most of the permanent teeth are in place, Phase 2 begins. This phase involves traditional braces or aligners to fine-tune tooth positions and create a harmonious bite.

Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

• Maximized Effectiveness: Addressing problems early can prevent them from becoming more complicated and challenging to treat later. This proactive approach minimizes the need for more invasive procedures.
• Healthier Development: Two-phase treatment promotes proper oral and facial development, ensuring a balanced bite, comfortable function, and a beautiful smile.
• Shorter Overall Treatment Time: By taking advantage of a child's growth, two-phase treatment can lead to shorter overall treatment durations compared to a single-phase approach.
• Reduced Need for Extractions: Phase 1 treatment can create the necessary space, often eliminating the need for permanent tooth extractions.
• Enhanced Self-Esteem: Addressing orthodontic issues early can boost a child's self-esteem by preventing or minimizing potential aesthetic concerns.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment isn't suitable for every child. To determine whether your child could benefit from this approach, it's essential to schedule a consultation with McClellan Orthodontics. They will assess your child's dental development, discuss any concerns, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on their individual needs.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a comprehensive strategy that focuses on more than just straightening teeth; it addresses the root causes of orthodontic issues to create a lasting, healthy smile. By intervening early and guiding dental development, Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger can set the stage for a lifetime of confident smiles and optimal oral health. If you're considering orthodontic treatment for your child, explore the benefits of two-phase treatment and consult with Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger to make an informed decision that supports your child's dental well-being.

Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

McClellan Orthodontics

Advancements in orthodontics have given our patients more options for achieving the smile they have always wanted! At McClellan Orthodontics, we offer the latest in orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, like Invisalign! Invisalign clear aligners allow Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger to achieve the same results as traditional braces but without any brackets or wires. If you are thinking about improving your smile but can’t picture yourself in braces…Invisalign clear aligners might be the perfect option for you.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners? Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently push them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners Made of? Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are far more comfortable than traditional metal braces.

How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Work? When you receive your aligners, you will place the clear trays over your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for two weeks and then switch to the next set of aligners. You will wear your aligners all day, every day, except when you eat, floss, and brush your teeth. Every six weeks or so, you will have an appointment in our Kenilworth office to check your aligners and the progress of your treatment. These checkups also help Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger determine if any adjustments need to be made to the aligners or to your treatment plan.

Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Expensive? As Invisalign aligners have become more popular over the years, they have also become more affordable. Invisalign aligners tend to cost about as much as traditional braces. However, the cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

How Long Does Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Take? Each patient’s orthodontic problem is unique, and each patient responds to treatment differently, so there is no universal answer for how long your Invisalign treatment will take.

What Happens After Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Is Completed? After any orthodontic treatment, whether it’s Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, we recommend that you wear a retainer. A retainer is designed to keep your teeth in alignment. Without it, your teeth can gradually move back to their former position.

There is a lot to love about Invisalign clear aligners, but Invisalign clear aligners are not always a good fit for every patient. If you would like to learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile, give McClellan Orthodontics a call to schedule a consultation. Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger will assess your smile to determine if Invisalign clear aligners are the right orthodontic option for you.

 

Invisalign First for Children 6 - 10 Years Old

McClellan Orthodontics

Invisalign First is a new treatment that can improve your child’s smile as they grow. Children can now receive effective, innovative, and comfortable treatment, replacing the need for bulky metal expanders, headgear, or braces.

As a child grows, their smile grows with them. Invisalign First was developed for children between the ages of 6-10 who experience issues with crowding, spacing, alignment issues, protrusions, arch development, and expansion. The treatment addresses these problems while also providing enough room for the adult teeth to erupt.

Invisalign First aligners are:

• Designed to treat a broad range of teeth straightening issues in growing children, from simple to complex.

• Removable for easy hygiene, making it easier for growing children to brush and floss.

• Helpful in correcting oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

An initial consultation is needed to determine if your child is an appropriate candidate for Invisalign First. If approved, Dr. McClellan can begin taking pictures, x-rays, and impressions of your child’s smile that same day. Information from the imaging, x-rays, and impressions will go to an Invisalign lab where a custom Invisalign First device, called an aligner or tray, will be made for your child.

Depending on your child’s individual treatment plan, he or she may require a full pair of aligners or just one aligner. The aligners will provide gentle pressure to expand the jawline, with each new aligner moving the jaw and permanent teeth closer to the desired position. Over time the Invisalign First device will shift your child’s teeth as needed and new aligners will be provided for the following phases of treatment. With Invisalign First, treatment time normally takes 6-9 months to complete.

The Invisalign First aligners are removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, and since they do not contain wires or brackets, they are comfortable to wear. Also, because they are clear, your child will feel confident while wearing them.

Invisalign First is only available for growing children. For adults and teens who are seeking orthodontic corrections, McClellan Orthodontics offers alternative treatment options, such as Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Clear Braces, and traditional metal braces. Visit our website to choose your look.