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Children’s Orthodontics

Phase One Orthodontic Treatment in Florida

At Smarter Orthodontics, Dr. Maria Yazji believes dental treatment for children goes beyond just improving the appearance of their smile, as it is also an important part of their oral health. The process of finding the right treatment can be daunting and overwhelming. That’s why Dr. Yazji offers a wide variety of options for children’s orthodontics that are convenient and enjoyable.

Why Might My Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Children’s orthodontics aims to address issues with the alignment of teeth and jaws. Early treatment, which we call Phase One, is recommended in some cases but is not necessary for all children. The decision to pursue early orthodontic treatment depends on various factors, including the child’s specific orthodontic needs, and the severity of the issues, like if they have any severe malocclusions or if there are any concerns about the eruption of permanent teeth. Phase Two happens once all the permanent teeth have erupted. The primary goal of Phase Two treatment is to achieve a final, well-aligned bite and a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

Phase One Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first appointment with an orthodontist at age seven, or if they show any signs of an orthodontic problem. Early intervention with children’s orthodontics can help address issues with the teeth and the jaw and make room for erupting permanent teeth. This is crucial for proper oral function, including biting, chewing and speaking. When treatment is started before all adult teeth have emerged, it’s known as Phase One treatment. If Dr. Yazji determines that your child is a good candidate for early orthodontic treatment, you can expect the following treatment steps:

We examine and monitor your child’s growth to determine when starting treatment will be most effective. For instance, we may find your child has an upper jaw that’s growing too much or is too narrow. If your child is over six and we find this jaw discrepancy, we may recommend early orthodontic treatment. 

Working with your child at an early age allows us to develop a plan for the best possible orthodontic treatment including taking models of their teeth, X-rays and photographs. Your child may need to start Phase One treatment right away, or Dr. Yazji will recommend periodic monitoring in order to determine when it is best to intervene.

After the initial treatment, we will usually take a break between Phase One and Phase Two treatment to allow your child’s teeth to emerge naturally. Successful Phase One treatment will have created room for permanent teeth to find an eruption path, so it’s best to allow them some freedom of movement. This resting phase may also include removing some baby teeth.

Phase Two Treatment

When all your child’s permanent teeth are present, we begin Phase Two. Phase Two usually includes full upper and lower braces on all teeth for an average of 24 months. Our goal during this phase of treatment is to ensure each tooth is perfectly located in the mouth so they’re in harmony with other teeth, as well as the lips, cheeks and tongue. This allows the teeth to function in unison, which is our goal for our young patients participating in children’s orthodontics.

Children’s Orthodontics
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At Smarter Orthodontics by Dr. Maria Yazji, we are pleased to offer WildSmiles Braces as a treatment option for children. Our team knows that tooth misalignment, teeth gapping or crowded teeth are not age-specific orthodontic problems. Now, your child can smile with confidence thanks to WildSmiles.

Specially designed for children and teens, WildSmiles Braces allow kids to choose their brackets that come in a variety of shapes and colors, uniquely expressing their personality. They have the option to choose from shapes like hearts, stars, soccer balls, flowers, even college teams and Disney characters! Not only are WildSmiles Braces a fun alternative to traditional braces, but they can also help your child feel good about themselves while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

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Another treatment option we offer for young smiles is Invisalign® First. It’s designed specifically for those who still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The goal is to address the unique needs of younger patients who are in the early stages of dental development. Here are some of its key features:

Similar to the traditional Invisalign® system, Invisalign® First uses clear plastic aligners that are nearly invisible.

Invisalign® First is tailored to the needs of children whose mouths are still developing. It is effective in guiding the eruption of new teeth and addressing issues with spacing, crowding or misalignment in the early stages.

The aligners can be removed while your child eats, brushes and flosses. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and allows for more flexibility in daily activities.

The aligners are custom-made for each child’s unique dental structure. They are designed to comfortably and gradually guide the teeth into their proper positions.

Is My Child a Good Candidate For Children’s Orthodontics?

Are you ready to take the next step in achieving a perfect, healthy smile for your child? Schedule your child’s complimentary consultation by filling out our contact form. We look forward to seeing you at one of our three convenient locations: Brickell, Miami or Weston.

Get A Smile You’ll Love

Your Orthodontic Needs Are As Unique As You Are

At Smarter Orthodontics by Dr. Maria Yazji, we are proud to use cutting-edge technology and modern treatment options to offer patient-tailored care. Dr. Maria Eugenia Yazji is a Top 1% Invisalign® Provider, so you can feel confident in her knowledge and expertise in creating your smile. Our sleek and professional orthodontic practice has three convenient locations located in Miami Metro—visit us in Brickell, Weston, or Miami, Florida!

orthodontic FAQs
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