PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS

To arrive into adulthood with a healthy smile and bite, your child’s teeth and jaws must grow and develop in proper alignment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommend all children see an orthodontist at age 7. Numerous problems can be identified at this age that require correction before all the permanent teeth erupt. After a check-up at the age of 7, Dr Schaefer may recommend treatment or simply monitoring your child’s growth and development. Dr. Schaefer wants to treat your child once, as an adolescent. However, sometimes interceptive or “early” Phase I orthodontics is indicated and can correct problems that cannot be corrected later or would require jaw surgery. Dr. Schaefer believes a clear treatment plan and length are key to a successful Phase I treatment. By treating at the correct age and limiting Phase I to 12-15 months, your child will have at least a 1-2 year break between Phase I and Phase II (braces for all permanent teeth). If no treatment is necessary because everything can be treated in one treatment at age 12-14, then your child will be enrolled in our recall program, Schaefe’s Little Scoots. We will happily observe your child’s growth and development every 6 months until it’s time for orthodontics! The periodic visits will get your child acclimated to our office and the process of orthodontics, and allow Dr. Schaefer to start treatment at the perfect time. Your child will have fun along the way, too!