Dr. Timothy J. Bussick and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At Bussick Orthodontics, that first visit is free, and for many children it is simply about monitoring growth. When treatment does help, Dr. Bussick times it to your child’s growth, with braces, Invisalign, or Phase I early treatment at our two Fort Wayne offices.
Why Should My Child See an Orthodontist by Age 7?
Children sometimes show early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. Early detection of many orthodontic problems can help avoid more extensive treatment later, and an evaluation lets Dr. Bussick monitor growth and start treatment only when the timing is right.
You do not need a referral from your dentist to schedule the visit. Many families come to us after a dentist notices crowding or a bite concern, and many others are referred by friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Dr. Bussick has cared for Fort Wayne kids since 1997, and some of the parents who bring their children to us today first came to us as kids themselves.
What Is Phase I Early Treatment?
If a child is found to have a jaw discrepancy by age 8, they may be a candidate for early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase I. The goal is to develop the appropriate jaw size so there is room for all of the permanent teeth, and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. This is done with appliances that direct the growth relationship of the jaws.
Phase I is orthopedic in nature, meaning it focuses on the jaws. Phase II, which comes later, is about achieving an ideal bite once the permanent teeth are in. Dr. Bussick cannot determine whether a child will need full braces after Phase I until all of the permanent teeth have erupted, because each tooth has an exact position where it works in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth.
What Happens Between Phase I and Phase II?
After Phase I, the focus shifts to holding the progress your child has made while the rest of the adult teeth come in. Dr. Bussick uses specific retainers and appliances for this resting period. A lingual holding arch maintains the space created during Phase I and is removed once the 12-year molars erupt, when Phase II can begin. A twin block appliance, delivered after Phase I braces come off, encourages the lower jaw to grow forward and stabilizes it until your child is ready for the next phase.
Braces or Invisalign for Younger Patients?
Kids have real choices. Dr. Bussick offers traditional silver brackets and clear brackets, and with colorful braces, children can pick new elastic tie colors at virtually every appointment. Braces appointments are every six to eight weeks.
With newer technology, Invisalign for kids is an option for patients as young as 7. Visits are every 12 to 16 weeks, which means less driving for parents and less school missed. For parents who wonder whether a young child will actually wear the trays, we offer fun stickers that kids put on their aligners so parents can keep track more easily.
How Do We Keep Kids Motivated?
Good habits move treatment along, so we reward them. Every patient receives an Ortho Buck card at the start of treatment and earns punches for things like arriving on time, excellent hygiene, cooperating with elastics or expander turns, earning an “A” on a report card, and even losing a baby tooth. Cards can be redeemed at any appointment at the prize cabinet across from our tooth brushing station. You can see the full list of ways to earn on our Ortho Bucks rewards page.
Care for Children Born With Cleft Lip and Palate
Dr. Bussick was one of the founding members of the Kids First Clinic in Fort Wayne and provides specialized cleft lip and palate orthodontics for children. He evaluates each child and coordinates the orthodontic phase of care with the rest of the child’s treatment team.
What Happens at Your Child’s First Visit?
Our front office team welcomes you, then Dr. Bussick completes a thorough exam with x-rays and photos. Our digital x-rays produce clear, detailed images with less radiation than traditional film. Afterward, your treatment coordinator explains the recommendation, whether that is treatment now or simply checking growth over time, and reviews the payment and insurance options. To save time, download and complete the new patient forms at home before you arrive, and read more about what to expect at your consultation.
Has your child turned 7? Schedule a free consultation at our Southwest or North office.