When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary? Dr. Studebaker Explains...

Great question. Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

When we at Studebaker Orthodontics 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
•A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
•A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

Has your child visited our office for a complimentary consultation? If not, please give us a call and let Dr. Robert Studebaker help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile

January featured patient reviews for Studebaker Orthodontics!

Our staff at Studebaker Orthodontics loooooove hearing from our patients! Here are three patient reviews we wanted to feature this month!

“The office staff is friendly and helpful. The Orthodontist has nice personality. The office waiting area is comfortable!!” ~ Stephen P.

“I love everything about this orthodontist very modern up to date and they are so advance i wouldn't think of going anywhere else.” ~ Malissa G.

"Wonderful Orthdontist: The staff is wonderful and very informative. They make you feel comfortable and explain everything. Very good with younger kids too. Willing to work with you. Fair. I am very pleased." ~ Anonymous

"This doctor/practice is awesome...They are very high tech and they explain everything to you to the T!!! Very clean;/sanitary!!! Dr. Studebaker's staff is excellent!!!
Very attentive...
A+ from me!!!" ~ LA-BRACEFACE!

Here comes the Braces Brigade!

At Studebaker Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Studebaker Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call at our Spring, Texas office if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Studebaker!

Have a great weekend!

What is your New Year's Resolution?

2011 is here—and what a year 2010 was at Studebaker Orthodontics! Today, we thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to this year? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

What helps you relax at Studebaker Orthodontics?

Dr. Studebaker and team understand not everyone is thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at Studebaker Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Studebaker Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Dr. Studebaker himself?

Let us know by posting on Facebook or by giving us a call! Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues!

See you all in 2011!

When should you call Dr. Studebaker?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Studebaker Orthodontics. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with Dr. Studebaker and team:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Spring, Klein, Tomball, The Woodlands and surrounding areas!

Season's greetings from Studebaker Orthodontics!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at Studebaker Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us here, or on our Facebook page, all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays!

- Dr. Studebaker & team