When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary? -- Cory Liss Orthodontics

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Liss please call or visit us at Cory Liss Orthodontics.

When is Thumb-Sucking a Cause For Worry -- From Cory Liss Orthodontics

Lots of you have asked us at Cory Liss Orthodontics about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call at Cory Liss Orthodontics and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Cory Liss Orthodontics Rewards Program

We have a great Rewards Program at Cory Liss Orthodontics. We've stepped up our prizes, in hopes that greater rewards will bring greater results. The goal for Orthodontic treatment is to have results as quickly as possible with healthy teeth and gums at the end of treatment.

Poor oral hygiene can lengthen your treatment time and affect the end results. In a constant effort to help protect our patient's investment, we are implementing a New Rewards Program. We will not only have our tokens, regular prizes, and gift certificates, but we will have ballots, and these ballots can be entered in a contest to win a Playstation 3, or a Nintendo Wii!

You can save up and put many ballots in one drawing, or enter every time you receive a ballot. We will hold a new drawing every couple of months, so you will have lots of chances to win.

With great rewards comes a little harder work. We expect good to great oral hygiene to get your tokens or ballots. If you do have good to great oral hygiene, then and only then will you qualify to receive additional tokens for on time appointments, a regular visit to your general dentist for your cleaning, and for not having anything break between appointments.

Great Rewards = Great Results at Cory Liss Orthodontics!

Check Out Our Great Office at Cory Liss Orthodontics

Our office is located on the 3rd floor of the Crowfoot Business Centre, on the corner of 200 Crowfoot Gate and Crowfoot Crescent, where free patient parking makes your appointment painless.


From the moment you walk in the doors, we treat you to the highest quality orthodontic care in a professional and comfortable atmosphere. Relax in our state-of-the-art reclining chairs while looking out our large windows and we'll take care of the rest. Give us a call today to come in for a consultation!