As parents, we always want what’s best for our children, especially when it comes to their health and confidence. If your child’s smile seems to have alignment issues, you may be wondering: should I consider orthodontic treatment right now, before my child’s teen years?
Phase one orthodontics is a proactive approach to helping children achieve healthier, more confident smiles before their teen years. But how do you know if it’s the right time to start? At Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics in Troy, we believe early education and screening can make all the difference.
With over 60 years of trusted care and services like complimentary consultations, we’ve been guiding families across the Capital Region to make confident choices about their orthodontic health. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about phase one orthodontics so you can feel empowered to take the next step for your child.
Phase one orthodontics refers to orthodontic treatment that begins while a child’s baby teeth are still present. Typically recommended for children aged 7-10, this early treatment focuses on guiding jaw development, correcting severe bite issues, and preventing more complex problems from arising later.
Unlike traditional braces for teens, which often wait until all adult teeth erupt, phase one treatment pinpoints and addresses specific growth patterns during critical developmental years. Early intervention doesn’t replace future treatment but can make it less invasive and more efficient.
Timing is everything when it comes to growing smiles. Treating certain orthodontic problems early can:
Dr. Cooney and Dr. Tyner have seen firsthand how starting at the right time can spare patients from more complicated and costly treatment in the future.
Every child develops differently, and not all children will require early orthodontic intervention. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At this age, issues like crowding, crossbites, or extreme overbites are often evident. The earlier these signs are detected, the more options we have for effective treatment. Common indicators your child may benefit from phase one orthodontics include:
Even if there are no clear issues, a simple consultation at our practice can set parents’ minds at ease. At Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics, we offer complimentary consultations to evaluate your child’s smile and track development over time.
The goal of phase one treatment is to build a foundation for lasting oral health. Beyond the physical improvements in tooth and jaw alignment, families see numerous benefits:
We also offer flexible, tech-enabled financing options, like OrthoFi, to make sure every family feels comfortable moving forward without financial stress. At Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics, cost should never be a barrier to care.
We understand how important it is for families to feel reassured every step of the way. When you bring your child to Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics, the process is simple and supportive:
We’re committed to giving parents the information they need to make confident, well-informed decisions. This is one of the reasons that families across the Capital Region have trusted us for over six decades.
Not at all. We use child-friendly appliances like expanders and habit-correcting devices that are designed with comfort in mind. Most children adapt quickly thanks to our experienced care team.
In many cases, yes. However, phase one treatment often simplifies and shortens any future orthodontic work.
Each patient is different, but treatment typically lasts 6-12 months, followed by a monitoring phase as permanent teeth grow in.
No problem! We provide ongoing growth tracking at no cost so we can monitor your child’s dental development and recommend treatment when it’s truly needed.
When it comes to your child’s smile, early action can save time, worry, and expenses down the road. At Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics in Troy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, starting with a no-risk, complimentary consultation.
Plus, with additional locations in both Ballston Lake and Saratoga Springs, we make it easy for families across the Capital Region to access expert care. Call us today at (518) 400-1200 to schedule your child’s appointment or learn more online. Let’s set your child on the path to a healthy, confident smile!
We provide the highest quality orthodontic care to Albany’s Capital Region from three convenient locations in Troy, Ballston Lake, & Saratoga Springs New York. We are the Top Invisalign Orthodontist in the area.