Specialist Orthodontic Care at The Square Dental Clinic
Detailed consultations, precise treatment planning, and meticulous orthodontic care
Board-Certified Orthodontist | Ph.D. Candidate
Joon Sang ChoD.D.S.
Orthodontic treatment at The Square Dental Clinic is led by a Seoul National University–trained orthodontic specialist. With meticulous attention to detail, we aim to achieve results that balance both aesthetics and function, with treatment plans tailored to each individual patient.
Credentials
- Completed Ph.D. Coursework in Orthodontics, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Board-Certified Specialist in Orthodontics, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea
- Certified Orthodontist, Korean Association of Orthodontists (KAO)
- Board-Certified Specialist in Integrated Dentistry, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea
- Graduated Top of the Class from Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Completed Orthodontic Residency, Seoul National University Dental Hospital
- Completed Internship, Seoul National University Dental Hospital
- Member, Korean Association of Orthodontists (KAO)
- Member, World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO)
- Completed MEAW Orthodontic Training
- Completed Invisalign Training, Align Technology, USA
- Formerly at Seoul National University Dental Hospital
Does My Child Need Orthodontic Treatment? And When Should We Start?
The Answer
It is generally a good idea to schedule an orthodontic evaluation around the time your child’s permanent front teeth begin to erupt.
What Is Pediatric Orthodontics?
**Pediatric orthodontics refers to orthodontic care provided from early childhood, when the primary teeth begin to erupt, through the growing years and adolescence before adulthood. Treatment is generally divided into Phase I and Phase II orthodontics.**
Also known as children’s orthodontics, growth-phase orthodontics, or early orthodontic treatment, pediatric orthodontics goes beyond simply straightening teeth. It involves a detailed evaluation of the jaws, facial growth, and developing dentition. When clinically appropriate, treatment may guide, encourage, or modify growth to help the jaws and teeth develop in a healthier and more balanced direction.
Type
Early Interceptive Treatment (Phase I treatment)
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment OR Phase II treatment
Purpose
To guide the development of the teeth and jaws, address developing problems early, and make future comprehensive orthodontic treatment simpler when possible.
To address remaining tooth alignment and bite problems after most or all permanent teeth have erupted.
Timing
Phase I treatment is often considered during the mixed-dentition stage, typically between ages 6 and 10, when both primary and permanent teeth are present. The appropriate timing varies according to each child’s dental development and growth pattern.
Phase II treatment commonly begins after most permanent teeth have erupted, often between ages 11 and 15. The exact timing varies depending on each child’s growth and dental development.
Treatment
Treatment may include guiding jaw growth, preserving space for developing permanent teeth, protecting specific teeth, and addressing certain bite or growth problems at an early stage.
Comprehensive treatment typically uses orthodontic appliances such as brackets, wires, bands, or clear aligners to align the teeth and establish a more stable bite.
*You can move left and right to view additional information.
Why Is Phase I Orthodontic Treatment Important?
01
Guides Healthy Jaw Growth
02
Helps Address Protrusion
03
Corrects Harmful Oral Habits
04
Guides Proper Eruption of Permanent Teeth
05
Helps Improve Open-Mouth Posture
Malocclusion & Oral Habit Checklist for Children
01
Frequently rests the chin on one hand
02
Has a thumb- or finger-sucking habit
03
Frequently pushes or sticks the tongue forward
04
Frequently bites the lower lip
05
Often sleeps with an arm under the head or sleeps face down
Does My Child Need Phase I Orthodontic Treatment?
If your child shows any of the following dental or bite conditions, an orthodontic evaluation may help determine whether Phase I treatment should be considered.
01
Spacing
Noticeable spaces between teeth may affect alignment and, in some cases, gum health.
02
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth bite in front of the upper teeth. Early evaluation can help assess its effect on tooth wear and jaw development.
03
Deep Bite
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth and may contribute to tooth or jaw discomfort in some cases.
04
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, which may interfere with normal bite function and jaw development.
05
Crowding
Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the dental arch for the teeth to align properly. It may make oral hygiene more difficult and affect the appearance of the smile.
06
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed, which may affect chewing and speech.
Intraoral Appliances Used for Pediatric Orthodontics at The Square Dental Clinic
01
Nance Holding arch, NHA
Used to help maintain space in the upper arch when multiple primary teeth are lost earlier than expected.
02
Lingual Arch, LA
Used to help maintain space in the lower arch when multiple primary teeth are lost earlier than expected.
03
Palatal Expansion Appliance
Used to widen a narrow dental arch, create space for permanent teeth to erupt, and improve dental alignment when appropriate.
04
Anterior Bite Plane (ABP)
Allows posterior teeth to erupt and may be used to help improve a deep bite.
05
Bionator
A functional appliance used during growth to guide jaw development in selected cases involving mandibular deficiency or Class III growth patterns.
06
Twin Block
A functional orthodontic appliance commonly used during growth to guide the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, particularly in selected cases with a retrusive lower jaw.
07
Frankel Appliance or Functional Regulator
A functional appliance used in selected growing patients to modify muscle function and guide jaw development.
Extraoral Appliances Used for Pediatric Orthodontics at The Square Dental Clinic
01
Facemask
Used in selected growing patients to encourage forward development of the upper jaw and improve certain Class III bite patterns or underbites.
02
Headgear
An orthopedic appliance used in selected growing patients to help control upper-jaw growth or create additional space for permanent teeth when needed.
03
Chin Cap
Used in selected growing patients to influence the direction of lower-jaw growth. It may also be used as part of retention after facemask therapy in certain cases.
Habit-Correction Appliances
04
Thumb Crib
Designed to discourage thumb- or finger-sucking habits that may interfere with normal dental development.
05
Tongue Crib
Designed to discourage tongue-thrusting habits that may interfere with normal tooth alignment and bite development.
Pediatric Orthodontics FAQ
Everything You Need to Know About Orthodontics
Orthodontics Encyclopedia
The Square Dental Clinic’s Orthodontic Expertise
