The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age seven, but many parents find that early age absurd, end up waiting, and later regret that choice. Research and historical data found that most kids need at least some degree of orthodontic treatment, and that orthodontic outcomes are far better when early orthodontic intervention is completed. The timing of orthodontic treatment influences everything from how long treatment takes, how it affects overall dental costs, and what the final result looks like. 

Read on to learn the differences between phase I and phase II orthodontics, how to recognize if your child would benefit from early orthodontics, and where to find the best orthodontist in Raleigh.

Phase I Orthodontics vs. Phase II Orthodontics: What's the Difference?

Most orthodontic care happens in one of two phases: 

• Phase I Orthodontics: Also sometimes called early orthodontics or interceptive treatment, this phase usually happens between ages six and 10 while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. The goal at this stage is to guide how the jaw grows, fix issues like crossbites, and open up space for permanent teeth that haven't come in yet. Common tools for phase I orthodontics include palate expanders, space maintainers, and partial braces on a few key teeth. 
• Phase II Orthodontics: This phase typically happens between ages 11 and 14, once most of the permanent teeth have erupted. This is the round most people are familiar with, as teen braces. This phase focuses on the position of each individual tooth and how the upper and lower teeth fit together, usually with traditional metal braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. 

Plenty of kids never need both phases, but some do. While many kids skip straight to phase II in their teen years, some can avoid teen braces altogether with the help of early orthodontics. This is why an evaluation at age seven is so important. 

Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment

There are several signs and symptoms that can tell you if your child needs to see the best phase I orthodontist in Raleigh, including: 

• Tooth crowding so tight that adult teeth come in twisted
• A top jaw that bites inside the bottom one, known as a crossbite
• Front teeth that stick out far enough to risk getting knocked during sports
• A jaw that pops or shifts when your child closes their mouth
• Mouth breathing
• Snoring at night or a childhood sleep apnea diagnosis
• Trouble chewing
• Speech problems 
• Thumb-sucking or pacifier use past age four
• Baby teeth that fall out unusually early or late

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment vs. Waiting Until the Teen Years

A child's jaw is still soft and shapeable before all the adult teeth are in, giving the best kids orthodontist in Raleigh the ability to actually help your child avoid braces as a teen in most cases. After the jaw finishes growing in the late teens, orthodontic treatment takes longer and is more complicated in some cases. In fact, some orthodontic problems can only be fixed with tooth extractions or jaw surgery if not corrected early. Things like untreated bite problems can wear down tooth enamel over time, crowded teeth are harder to brush and more prone to cavities, and front teeth that stick out get chipped or knocked out at much higher rates during sports.

Waiting has its benefits for some children, though. If the issues are mainly crooked teeth, teen braces are often faster, cheaper, and get the job done in a single round. 

Finding the Best Orthodontist in Raleigh for Teen Braces

Choosing an orthodontist who can provide the best braces in Raleigh isn’t easy. With many options to choose from, parents often find themselves looking for a few specific qualities: Honest answers, experience with both phases of orthodontics, and modern technology for fast and effective treatment. Time and time again, parents choose Dr. Spielberg for these reasons and so much more. 

At Spielberg Orthodontics, kids and parents alike enjoy our modern, comfortable environment that makes every child feel safe and comfortable. Trusted by patients across Apex, Cary, Pittsboro, Holly Springs, and Morrisville, we build every treatment plan around what your child needs the most and what will save you the most time and stress in the future.