The Long Orthodontics treatment philosophy - Our mission is to provide quality orthodontic care and education, uitlizing a caring and conscientious attitude in every aspect of our practice, from telephone contact and appointment scheduling to assistant contact and direct orthodontic care as well as management of accounts and billing.

Phase I (Early Treatment)
In orthodontics today, often times we see children much earlier than in years past to evaluate orthodontic needs. At this age, obviuosly they are not ready for comprehensive braces treatment because they still have a great number of baby teeth. However, by addressing certain problems early, the overall siutation can be made simpler and healthier.

Before the patient reaches the teen years, Phase I treatment is carried out to address limited issues. This may consist of expansion, crossbite correction, or alleviating a bite problem that is destructive. Phase I treatment does not align all the permanent teeth because at the time these teeth are not all in.

Even when Phase I treatment is carried out, it is possible that Phase II (comprehensive braces) will be needed as a teen. However, by reducing or eliminating the limited issues identified in Phase I, the extent of treatment during Phase II can also be reduced. There are certain problems that can only be addressed as a Phase I treatment when growth is occurring during childhood.

The ages for Phase I treatment are 6 to 11 years old. We recommend an exam at age 6 or 7 to take an evaluation of the situation. Braces, or Phase II treatment, is considered after all the permanent teeth are in, at an average age of 12 to 13 years old.

Phase II (Braces)
Phase II treatment - to include the use of braces - is usually undertaken after a time that elapses between the two phases. During this time, all of the adult teeth emerge and adult growth occurs. If both Phase I and Phase II treatment are required, each Phase necessitates a separate set of x-rays, photos and models, as well as a separate treatment plan and fees.