Early Orthodontic Treatment at Ellicott City, MD

Early orthodontic treatment (also referred to as Phase 1 orthodontics) is when bite and alignment are corrected when a child still has any remaining baby teeth. This aggressive process controls jaw growth and creates space for incoming permanent teeth before issues worsen. At Ellicott City Orthodontics, we offer complete care through individualized Phase 1 treatment.

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What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment refers to braces or appliances worn early in the mixed-dentition stage (around ages 6–10). The goal is not solely aesthetic: correcting bite problems and jaw disparities now can influence the growth of teeth and jaws. Common aims include creating space for crowded teeth, correcting crossbites or crooked bites, and reducing the risk of protruding lower front teeth. Successful early treatment can lead to the following:

• More room for crowded or erupting permanent teeth
• Avoidance of more severe crowding problems when the child is older
• Lower likelihood of needing future extractions
• Defense against damage to protruding front teeth
• Shorter treatment time in total when full braces are applied later

By treating them early, a better foundation is established for any subsequent treatment when all the permanent teeth are present.

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When and Why It's Recommended

Orthodontic observation typically begins around age 7, but only if treatment is deemed necessary. Indications that a child would be a good candidate for an early assessment include:

• Misaligned or blocked teeth: Those baby teeth that erupted too early or too late, or adult teeth erupting without enough space.
• Stick-out front teeth: Front top teeth that stick out too far, which exposes them to a greater risk of injury.
• Underbite or crossbite: Malocclusion where upper and lower jaws don't align (e.g., lower teeth bite onto the outside of upper teeth).
• Mouth breathing or thumb-sucking: Habits that can change jaw shape.
• Jaws, chewing, or speech that don't line up: Pain or imbalance when chewing, speaking, or jaw movement may signal an orthodontic issue.

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What to Expect During Treatment

The first visit to our clinic will include a comprehensive examination. The orthodontist will make digital records (photos, X-rays, or scans) to evaluate jaw growth, eruption of teeth, and bite alignment. If early intervention is required, it typically consists of one of the following Phase I methods:

• Palatal or jaw expanders: Devices that gradually expand the upper jaw to provide space for packed teeth.
• Partial braces (limited bonding): Brackets and wire are bonded onto some permanent teeth (usually the front ones) to steer their initial movement.
• Space maintainers: If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, this appliance helps keep the space open so that the adult tooth can erupt correctly.
• Habit appliances: Special devices to discourage thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits that interfere with bite formation.
• Retainers or removable aligners: Basic appliances that hold or change tooth position as required between stages.

Treatment typically occurs within a year, although the timeframe varies depending on the issue. Visits are typically scheduled every 4–8 weeks to monitor progress and adjust appliances as needed. Routine activities can be maintained with minimal disruption, although a mouthguard may be advised for sports activities.

Once Phase I is complete and the majority of permanent teeth have erupted, a second assessment will be conducted to determine whether a second phase of treatment is necessary.

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Technology & Diagnostic Tools

We employ technology for accuracy and convenience. Our iTero intraoral scanner rapidly captures a 3D computer model of the teeth, eliminating the need for messy putty or traditional impressions. This pain-free scan produces a precise model of the mouth for planning appliances or braces. The digital model also enables us to display a preview of your child's outcome.

We also depend on digital X-ray imaging. Digital X-rays expose patients to less radiation and provide instantaneous, high-quality images of jaw alignment and tooth position. Intraoral cameras offer patients magnified images of their gums and teeth, enhancing their understanding of any dental condition.

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Meet the Expert

Dr. Pardis Parizadeh, DDS
She is a board-certified orthodontist at Ellicott City Orthodontics, whose path to dentistry started as an orthodontic assistant throughout her undergraduate years. With a summa cum laude degree for her bachelor's, she completed her DDS at New York University, graduating at the top 1% of her class. She thereafter completed an orthodontic and maxillofacial orthopedic residency at Montefiore Medical Center, associated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

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Insurance & Payment

Ellicott City Orthodontics accepts most major dental insurance companies that cover orthodontic treatments. We are Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, GEHA, MetLife, United Concordia, and numerous other plan acceptors. When you visit us for the first time, please bring your insurance card so we can check your benefits and estimate your coverage. We'll submit your claims as a courtesy.

If your insurance does not cover orthodontics or only partially covers it, we offer flexible payment options to help you manage the cost. We can create a low monthly payment plan that meets your budget with the help of our treatment coordinator. We also accept Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for orthodontic care.

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Schedule your Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early evaluation of orthodontics is an excellent opportunity to provide your child with the healthiest smile possible. Evaluating the growth and development of teeth in childhood can help detect problems that may not be apparent to parents or family dentists.

To schedule an appointment for your child's early evaluation, please call us or visit our office at Ellicott City Orthodontics.