why start orthodontics young?
guidance of growth and development
By beginning your child’s orthodontic treatment at an early age, you are minimizing their need for more complicated procedures later in life and helping to guide their facial growth in a positive manner. Call our office today to learn more, we serve children it both our Bryn Mawr and Wayne locations!
Dr. Foote specializes in Phase I Orthodontics, also known as early, interceptive orthodontic treatment, providing both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Early treatment is really orthopedic, in that it helps to guide the growth and development of the bones and underlying dentition, helping to prevent significant problems later, positively effecting facial growth and breathing and airway.
Early interceptive orthodontic treatment is typically initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10 to address significant space problems.
However, there is often great benefit to intervening earlier than age 7. By recognizing early childhood malocclusions (ECM), even sleep related breathing disorders (srbd), and intervening when children are still in the primary dentition, the ability to help positively influence facial development and relieve breathing and airway related issues is significant.
Dr. Foote will assess whether the adult teeth will have enough space to erupt, and if the upper and lower jaws are positioned properly. This treatment typically involves expansion of the upper jaw to relieve crowding which prevents eruption issues from becoming more severe.
- Influence positive jaw growth to create facial symmetry and normal development of the upper and lower jaws
- Create room for crowded, erupting teeth and preserve space for unerupted ones
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth and correct harmful oral habits – thumb sucking
- Reduce the need for tooth removal and treatment time for orthodontic care
- Improve speech and breathing problems
early interceptive orthodontics
phase 1 treatment
Dr. Foote specializes in Phase I Orthodontics, also known as early interceptive orthodontic treatment. With 75% of facial growth completed by age 7 and 90% complete by age 12, it is critical to assess growth and development at an early age. Interceptive orthodontics is usually initiated on children between the ages of 5 to 10 to address significant spacing problems and to redirect facial growth. This treatment typically involves expansion of the upper jaw to relieve crowding, effectively preventing eruption issues from becoming more severe as children grow into their teenage years.
phase 1 advantages
Early intervention, as early as age 4 or 5, can help with a number of orthopedic and orthodontic issues in young children. If your child has arches that need width correction, an overbite, underbite, mouth breathes, snores, or clenches/grinds their teeth, or has has any other bone or teeth positioning issues, Phase 1 treatment will begin correcting the problem. By developing the jaws and guiding their growth in the proper way, this will often lead to a quicker alignment process during Phase 2 treatment when your child’s adult teeth have fully erupted, typically around age 12.
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Meet the Main Line's Favorite Orthodontist
dr. catherine foote
Dr. Foote's passion is orthodontics for children and adults, particularly in facial growth and aesthetics.
Dr. Foote is committed to continuing her own education as well as that of her team, so she can provide her patients with exceptional orthodontic treatment in a caring, state-of-the-art environment. Foote Orthodontics continued excellence in Wayne and Bryn Mawr has not gone unnoticed. Since opening her practice in 2009, Dr. Foote has been named in the “Top Dentist” issues of both Philadelphia Magazine and Main Line Today.
A native of the Main Line, Dr. Foote resides in Wayne with her husband Neil, daughters Elsie and Piper, and son Graysen. Foote Orthodontics is greatly invested in the local community, regularly donates to auctions and fundraisers for dozens of organizations, from schools to churches, as well as sponsoring local sports teams.
why the main line is choosing foote orthodontics
"I had an initial consultation for Invisalign and could not have been more impressed with the entire experience. Jan (the orthodontic assistant) was so fantastic, so knowledgeable and so reassuring. She took time to explain the entire process after taking photos, impressions and a digital scan of my mouth which was very high tech. I met Dr Foote after for a consult and felt immediately comfortable. I had considered doing Invisalign through a dentist office however it is so clear to me now just how advantageous it is to go through this process with an actual orthodontist. Invisalign/orthodontia is nuanced and I want someone who specializes and does this all day long. My consultation was exactly that- detailed and specific and I think that will make all the difference. Looking forward to starting the process and I’m even making an appointment for my kids for their initial braces consultation."
- Deena R., Google Review
"Awesome staff. Very thorough. All the best and most advanced tech. Highly recommend!"
- Emna B., Google Review
"For the last 2 1/2 years I’ve been a patient. This has been such a pleasure dealing with Foote Orthodontics. The staff is so friendly and professional and Dr Foote is a true artist. The change in my mouth is unbelievable. I highly recommend this place for children and adults. They have 2 locations and always make my appointments convenient for my schedule. Absolutely amazing !!! A+"
- Mot Sreym
"Dr. Foote and her office staff is extremely professional. She is very attentive to each patient, and listens to their concern and explains her recommendations thoroughly."