Charleston Early Orthodontic Treatment
Building healthy smiles from the ground up
It’s never too early for a beautiful smile
Early orthodontic treatment is a key step toward a lifetime of healthy, happy teeth. At Holy City Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer early interventions for the youngest members of the family.
Also known as Phase I, our Charleston early orthodontic treatment for kids can make a huge difference in the health and appearance of your child’s teeth and jaw. Let us help your child achieve a healthy, happy smile that will last a lifetime!
What should I look for?
When should it be treated?
Why should it be corrected?
Before & After
What should I look for?
Crowding
If the baby teeth have no spaces between them (for a 7-year-old), then there won’t be room for adult teeth. If your front teeth are crooked, or are in the wrong place.
When should it be treated?
See an orthodontist by age 7; treatment may begin when the child has their first permanent molars.
Why should it be corrected?
• Many patients prefer the look of a straight smile.
• It’s harder to floss and brush teeth that are squeezed tightly together.
• If treatment is delayed, then it may be necessary to extract teeth to achieve the same results in the future.
• Crowded teeth are often subject to uneven wear and may lead to TIMJ issues
Before & After
Underbite
If your lower teeth fit outside of the upper teeth when the jaw is closed.
When should it be treated?
See an orthodontist by age 7; treatment may begin when the child has their first permanent molars. Early treatment is vital.
Why should it be corrected?
• Uncorrected underbites are the most common type of bite associated with jaw joint problems.
• Left untreated, the underbite may become worse.
• May improve the facial profile.
• Underbites may lead to uneven wear on teeth.
Before & After
Crossbite
If your upper back teeth bite on the inside of lower back teeth.
When should it be treated?
See an orthodontist by age 7; treatment should begin when the child has their first permanent molars. Early treatment is vital.
Why should it be corrected?
• Uncorrected crossbites may lead to uneven growth of the jaws.
• You may avoid potential jaw joint problems.
• Crossbites may lead to uneven wear on teeth.
Before & After
Crossbite of Back Teeth
Open Bite
If your front teeth don’t touch when your jaw is closed. Thumb sucking and pacifier use can result in an open bite.)
When should it be treated?
See an orthodontist by age 7; treatment may not begin until later.
Why should it be corrected?
• Due to the nature of the bite, patients with an open bite often cannot bite into food, such as sandwiches.
• Left untreated, an open bite may lead to a “long face.”
• You may avoid potential TMD signs and symptoms.
Before & After
Deep Bite
If your top teeth hide your bottom teeth when your jaw is closed.
When should it be treated?
The best time to correct a deep bite is once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Why should it be corrected?
• Left untreated, a deep bite can lead to a “short face.”
• Deep bites routinely cause excess wear to the front teeth.
Before & After
Overbite
If your top jaw protrudes over your lower jaw when your mouth is closed.
When should it be treated?
An overbite should be treated in respect to the child’s growth spurt. It is critical to have the growth evaluated to determine the appropriate time for treatment.
Why should it be corrected?
• Deep bites are often present with an overbite and can cause excess wear to the front teeth.
• Can lead to a more esthetically pleasing profile.
Before & After
Oral Habits
• Thumb sucking
• Mouth breathing
• Tongue thrusting
• Extended pacifier use
When should it be treated?
These habits can lead to orthodontic issues and should be evaluated by an orthodontist and treated by 5 or 6 years of age.
Why should it be corrected?
Left uncorrected, they can lead to:
• Crossbites
• Excess Overbite
• Open Bite
• Crowding
Benefits of early orthodontic treatment
See What Our Patients Have to Say
Affordable Orthodontic Care
Paying for early orthodontic treatment
If your child needs early orthodontic treatment, we’ll work with you to determine your insurance coverage and help you handle any necessary paperwork. We want to make the payment process as easy as possible for you, so please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions!
Flexible Payment Options
Early orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. Our goal is to make care as affordable as possible, and we provide payment plans that fit your budget. We offer 0% interest rates for most plans, and we can adjust your initial and monthly payments. Be sure to ask us about our paid-in-full and family discounts too!
Other Options for Your Smile
Custom treatment plans designed just for YOU!
Call us at (843) 823-3533 to schedule a free consultation or book your appointment online.
Early Treatment at Holy City Orthodontics
Visit Us
Dr. Anderson will assess your needs during your free consultation.
Treatment Plan
If your child needs early treatment, we’ll create a customized treatment plan.
Happy Smile
Keep up with your child’s treatment and watch their smile transform before your eyes.
Questions About Early Orthodontic Treatment (Phase I)
At what age should I bring my child for an orthodontic evaluation?
We recommend bringing your child between the ages of 6-7 y/o. This is the best time to identify any potential issues and find out if early intervention is necessary.
What issues can early orthodontic intervention treat?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase I, can address and prevent many issues, including bite problems, narrow jaw, protruding teeth, and other orthodontic problems that can affect the development of your child’s teeth and jaw.
Does my child need orthodontic treatment?
Not every child needs orthodontic treatment. Good candidates for Phase I include children who:
- Have difficulty biting properly
- Lose baby teeth early
- Experience clicking jaws or grinding during movement
- Suffer from bruxism
The best way to find out if your child can benefit from early orthodontic treatment is to visit us for a free consultation.
What type of early treatment does my child need?
If your child does need early intervention, the exact type of treatment will depend on their specific issue.
Common types of treatment include wearing a palatal expander or partial braces. Dr. Andreson will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your child’s needs.
What are the benefits of early treatment?
Our Charleston early orthodontic treatments can provide many benefits, including:
- Better jaw development: Early treatment can help guide the proper growth and development of your child’s jaws.
- Reduced need for future treatment: Phase I can often prevent more extensive and costly orthodontic treatment in the future.
- Improved oral health: By correcting issues such as crowded or protruding teeth, we can make it easier for your child to keep their teeth and gums clean.
- Boost in self-confidence: A healthy, beautiful smile can do wonders for your child’s self-esteem.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Schedule a free consultation today.
Our Charleston orthodontic office is located in the Live Oak Square Shopping Center, on the second floor.
Monday - Thursday 8-12/1-5
Friday by appointment only.
Follow Us
@holycityorthodontics
