
Early Treatment
Dr. Soudabeh Sharafi provides early orthodontic treatment, sometimes referred to as two-phase treatment, to help your child’s teeth and jaw develop properly. We welcome you to contact Soudabeh Sharafi DMD to learn more about early orthodontics in San Diego, California, and to schedule your child’s consultation with our experienced pediatric dentist.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is provided to help your child achieve the most healthy, functional, and beautiful smile possible. The treatment process combines straightening misaligned teeth with any needed facial changes to ensure that your child’s facial profile is well balanced and that the end results of their treatment will remain stable throughout his or her entire life.
Phase One
Phase one of early orthodontic treatment is designed to build the foundation for a beautiful smile. In this phase, our pediatric dentist will carefully examine your child’s teeth and jaws, and provide treatments to ensure that the jaws develop properly so that they can accommodate and support all of your child’s permanent teeth.
Children often exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they are growing and developing. At this stage of their lives, it is easy to correct any potential problems, as the bones are soft enough to be easily guided into their correct positions. Upper jaws that are growing too much or are too narrow can be recognized from an early age, preventing the need for surgical procedures later in life. Crowded front teeth can also be treated with ease during this phase, helping to avoid extractions of permanent teeth at a later date.
Phase one is followed by a resting period. During this resting period, your child’s teeth will be monitored, but will generally be left alone as they emerge. A successful phase-one treatment will have ensured that there is enough space for each tooth as it erupts.
Phase Two
In phase-two treatment, our dentist will ensure that each tooth has a healthy position in the mouth, and that it works well with the other teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue. Our pediatric dentist begins this phase of your child’s treatment after all of his or her permanent teeth have erupted. If your child needs braces, this will be the period in which he or she receives them. Our dentist may recommend a retainer following phase-two treatment to ensure that your child’s smile remains in place.
For more information on early orthodontic treatment, and to make your child’s appointment with our pediatric dentist, please contact our office today.