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The two essential phases of Early Orthodontic Treatment

     The enthusiasm felt by Dr. McSurdy and Staff about Early Orthodontic Treatment is evident in any discussion, and its benefits cannot be overestimated.  Our patients and the local dental community clearly realize its value.
     Early Treatment enables the jaws to be precisely aligned as they develop and jaw size to be perfectly coordinated with tooth size.  Each child's growth potential is maximized.  All of the permanent teeth have room to come in naturally.  In almost all cases, future problems -- such as extractions -- are avoided.
  The experience of Early Treatment is comfortable, caring and efficient.  This progressive approach not only prevents damage before it occurs, it also reduces the patient's time in braces.
     In the Developmental Phase of treatment, our goals are accomplished through a combination of functional appliances and braces.  These goals are:

• to provide adequate space for permanent teeth
• to align permanent teeth
• to improve the bite

     This phase typically begins at age seven or soon thereafter and lasts approximately twelve months, with office visits every six to ten weeks.  At the end of this phase, all appliances and braces are removed and the patient is provided with removable retainers.
     Though treatment can sometimes progress directly into the Completion Phase, in most cases there is a one to two year period during which the removable retainers are worn.  This is called the Intermediate Retention Period.   Dr. McSurdy sees the patient every three months, with the goals of :

• maintaining the accomplishments of the Developmental Phase of treatment
• monitoring the eruption of the remaining permanent teeth
• determining readiness for the Completion Phase.

     The Completion Phase is initiated when most of the permanent teeth have erupted.  Braces are required on all teeth for approximately twelve months, with the goals of :

• alignment of remaining permanent teeth (back teeth)
• completion of bite correction, for ideal function and stability.

     Following the Completion Phase, monitoring of the patient occurs for at least one year to ensure stability of the end result.
     Since Early Orthodontic Treatment involves the growth and development of the face and jaws, you need to be assured of the high training and experience of your orthodontist.  You can depend on both with Dr. McSurdy.  Perhaps this is why many dentists have chosen Dr. McSurdy and Staff to treat their own children.
     With retainer wear and good home care, the patient who embarks on this comprehensive treatment will, at the end, possess teeth which are healthy, stable, comfortable and attractive.