While we certainly welcome dental referrals, High Tide Orthodontics doesn't require any referrals to see patients for their first examination visit! Using 3D xray technology, oftentimes Dr. Trev can catch potential orthodontic problems before they are expressed in the mouth! All you need to do is schedule a consultation with Dr. Trev (virtual or in-person) using the Online Scheduler or calling the office!

The American Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists state that children should first see an orthodontist when they are around seven years old.

Dr. Trev believes that almost any orthodontic issue can be managed properly from this age forward. At this visit, there is a very good chance we won't actually start with any treatment! However, if there are any major problems (crossbite, airway issues, missing adult teeth), Dr. Trev believes making a plan sooner than later can give your child the best chance at a perfect smile later in life. Once a patient moves past their major growth spurt (ages 11-13 in females and 12-14 in males), treatment options become VERY limited especially for facial growth modification. Basically, we want to limit any and all chances of tooth extractions (for crowding) or jaw surgery (for bite problems and facial asymmetries). Not to scare parents too much, but if the patient has a jaw growth issue and they have moved past their growth spurt, then jaw surgery is likely needed to create an ideal bite and smile! So don't wait too long!

Phase 1 Treatment
At every patient's first visit, Dr. Trev will take a 3D xray quickscan (at a radiation dose that is almost 15x's less than a normal panoramic radiograph!) to check for any skeletal or dental growth issues. At this visit a child will be placed on yearly Observation appointments until they are truly ready for orthodontic treatment. If they have a serious orthodontic issue or the need to start during a younger age, Dr. Trev will plan a Phase 1 treatment plan for the patient. Phase 1 treatment involves correction of dentition, bite, or both during the time when the younger patient has both adult and baby teeth. This treatment lasts about 10-14 months on average, depending on severity. Then the patient will wear a special retainer to hold correction of teeth and jaws until all or most of the adult teeth grow in!

Phase 2 Treatment
Once the patient is ready for alignment of all adult teeth, the patient will enter Phase 2 treatment. This treatment is usually quicker than a Comprehensive Treatment because a lot of the heavy lifting has been completed during Phase 1 already!

Comprehensive Teen Treatment
If Phase 1 treatment isn't necessary for a young patient, we can ideally place the patient on yearly recall appointments and wait until the start of their growth spurt. Treating during the growth spurt allows facial jaw growth modification, faster tooth correction, and the chance to reduce extractions or jaw surgery. Usually these treatments take ~18-22 months total!

FUN FACT: Dr. Trev can utilize Invisalign for ANY of the above treatment types!