A San Antonio Parent's Guide to Children's Orthodontic Treatment
Key Areas Dr. Nairooz Examines During a Child's First Visit
Understanding Phase 1 Treatment and Ongoing Growth Monitoring
Choosing Between Braces and Clear Aligners for Your Child
Frequently Asked Questions
By seven, most children have a combination of baby and permanent teeth that gives an orthodontist enough information to spot emerging jaw growth problems, bite irregularities, and crowding. Catching these issues early expands the options available for guiding development before the growth phase ends.
Dr. Nairooz reviews jaw growth proportions, palate width, bite alignment, and airway and breathing patterns. This detailed assessment allows her to determine whether early treatment is warranted or whether periodic monitoring is the best approach for your child at that stage.
Phase 1 refers to orthodontic treatment carried out while a child is still in the active growth phase, generally between the ages of seven and ten. It focuses on correcting jaw discrepancies, crossbites, or significant crowding to guide healthy development and potentially reduce the complexity or duration of later comprehensive treatment.
Not necessarily. Many children are better served by watchful monitoring rather than immediate intervention. Dr. Nairooz only recommends Phase 1 when there is a clear clinical reason to act during early growth, and she schedules periodic follow-up visits to keep a close eye on your child's progress.
The decision comes down to the child's individual clinical needs, age, and maturity level. Traditional braces are highly effective for more complex tooth movements, while clear aligners work well for motivated children who can commit to wearing them consistently. Dr. Nairooz discusses the trade-offs with each family to arrive at the best choice together.
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