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Give Your Child a Head Start on a Great Smile!

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age seven. Often, treatment isn’t necessary at this point and Dr. Patel will just monitor your child’s growth and development and let you know when the time is right to start Invisalign Teen or braces. We offer these early appointments at no cost to you and we’ll keep an eye on your kiddo’s smile throughout the years. However, if Dr. Patel does spot red flags, early intervention can ensure your child gets the best possible results with the least amount of time and expense, while also avoiding the need for extractions or surgery down the road. Schedule your child’s free evaluation at our cheerful, kid-friendly office. Book your appointment online or by calling us at (918) 749-8817 (Tulsa) or (918) 342-1240 (Claremore).
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What is Early Interceptive Treatment?

Phase I or early interceptive treatment kicks off while a child still has most of their baby teeth. We only perform Phase I treatment if it will make a significant difference in your child’s future treatment. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept moderate or severe orthodontic problems, including issues with the jawbone, crossbites and developing crowding. We generally use expanders, removable appliances, Herbst appliances (instead of headgear) or retainers during the first phase. We take advantage of a child’s active growth to change the structure of the jawbone to either make room for permanent teeth or address jaw discrepancies. Treatment usually lasts between 12 and 14 months.

Phase I treatment is often followed by Phase II treatment once your child has all, or at least most, of their permanent teeth. After a resting period, they’ll get braces or Invisalign Teen to shift their grown-up teeth into their ideal positions and lock in their healthy bite and beautiful smile. If you suspect early interceptive treatment could benefit your little one, book a complimentary consultation online or by calling us at (918) 342-1240 (Claremore) or (918) 749-8817 (Tulsa). Dr. Patel and the Brace Place Team will make the experience positive and stress-free for you and your child.

Benefits of Early Interceptive Treatment

Some of the most direct results of early treatment include:

  • Making room for crowded erupting teeth
  • Creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
  • Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
  • Preserving space for unerupted teeth
  • Lessening the likelihood tooth removal will be required
  • Reducing future treatment time with braces or Invisalign Teen
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Smile Stats

Keep tabs on your child’s smile with an early orthodontic screening.

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It’s estimated that 10-15% of children could benefit from early interceptive orthodontics.

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Kids should have their first orthodontic appointment by age seven.

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Phase I treatment typically lasts between 12 and 14 months.

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