Children’s Orthodontics in South Orange County

Children's Orthodontics

At Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our goal is to ensure each of our patients is getting the best dental care they deserve. By providing both pediatric dental care and orthodontic services under one roof we are able to provide that experience to you and your child! 

Orthodontic Consultations

A consultation is the first step on your orthodontic journey and is always free at our office. The Orthodontist will take a developmental radiograph called a panoramic radiograph to assess growth and development and some pictures of your child’s teeth. He will then do a comprehensive assessment and give you all his recommendations and options for the appropriate treatment for your child’s journey. 

If you are a current patient or soon-to-be new patient of our office no need to worry, our on-staff Pediatric Dentist will recommend a consultation when the time is needed to see the Orthodontist!

Phase I / Early Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment

At Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we tend to err on the conservative side and will not recommend Phase I treatment unless we can make a significant difference in the patient’s outcome by doing it.

• Recommended that this treatment be done before all permanent teeth have erupted, and often occurs between the ages of 6 - 10
• Recommended when there is a moderate or severe orthodontic problem that should not wait until later to be treated
• Expansion, active retainer, or partial braces is typically the treatment plan for this phase

• Is to develop the child’s jaw to make room for the future eruption of permanent teeth and to improve the relationship of the upper jaw to the lower jaws.
• An upper or lower jaw growing too much or not enough can benefit from this early orthodontic treatment.
• Early correction can often prevent dental trauma, later removal of permanent teeth or even jaw surgery. Leaving a severe condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a problem too severe to correct with braces alone.

The goal of Phase I Treatment

• Is to develop the child’s jaw to make room for the future eruption of permanent teeth and to improve the relationship of the upper jaw to the lower jaws.
• An upper or lower jaw growing too much or not enough can benefit from this early orthodontic treatment.
• Early correction can often prevent dental trauma, later removal of permanent teeth or even jaw surgery. Leaving a severe condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a problem too severe to correct with braces alone.

 Treatment time for Phase I  

• Typically between 9-18 months
• After the 9-18 months, the patient will wear retainers and are checked every four to six months while waiting for the remaining permanent teeth to erupt.

Phase II Treatment / Full Braces

At Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we utilized an advanced orthodontic system called the Damon system. This system is different in that they are tie-less so they don’t need to be “tightened” and are gentle on the teeth and tissues. The high-technology, memory shape wires move teeth quickly and require fewer adjustments. Damon’s innovative approach to orthodontics ensures greater comfort throughout treatment.

• Recommended that Phase II treatment be done between the ages of 11-13 

The goal of Phase II Treatment

• Is to position all the permanent teeth to maximize their appearance and function. 
• Typically the treatment is planned for after Phase I treatment is complete, once most of the permanent teeth have erupted or it can happen on its own in the absence of a patient needing phase I treatment

Treatment time for Phase II

• Usually between 12-18 months long and is best accomplished with full braces. 

Please feel free to reach out anytime to ask us about the Orthodontic Services we provide or additional services to best meet your child's Orthodontic and dental care needs.