Phase One Treatment
At Gibson Orthodontics, we believe that early evaluation leads to better long-term results—and sometimes, early action is the best way to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. That’s where Phase One Treatment comes in.
Also known as early interceptive orthodontics, Phase One Treatment typically begins between the ages of 7 and 10, when a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. At this stage, Dr. Matt can spot developing issues with jaw growth, bite alignment, and spacing before they become more complex.
What Is Phase One Treatment?
Phase One is a preventive and proactive approach. Rather than waiting until all permanent teeth come in, we address specific orthodontic concerns early—when the jaws are still developing and easier to guide. Treatment might involve limited braces, a specialized appliance, or even clear aligners for the right patient.
Phase one can help:
- Correct crossbites, overbites, or underbites
- Make space for crowded or blocked-out permanent teeth
- Improve jaw alignment and facial symmetry
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Minimize the need for future extractions or surgery
Early treatment doesn’t always eliminate the need for braces later on (Phase Two), but it often shortens and simplifies that process—and sets the foundation for better long-term results.
Our Approach to Early Care
At Gibson Orthodontics, we never rush into treatment. If your child doesn’t need Phase One care, we’ll continue to monitor their development with regular growth checks—free of charge. If early treatment is recommended, Dr. Matt will explain every step and partner with you to create a plan that fits your child’s needs, comfort, and development.
You’ll never get pressure here—just honest, expert guidance rooted in compassion and experience.
Curious if your child might benefit from early treatment? Schedule a free evaluation at our Madison, Harvest, or Athens location. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Surgical Orthodontics
While most orthodontic issues can be corrected with braces or aligners alone, some cases require a more advanced approach. Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is used to correct severe jaw misalignments that affect a patient’s bite, facial symmetry, or overall oral function.
At Gibson Orthodontics, we work closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons to provide coordinated, comprehensive care for patients who may benefit from surgical treatment. Dr. Matt carefully evaluates each case and helps guide you through every phase of the process—from diagnosis to recovery.
When Is Surgical Orthodontics Needed?
Surgical orthodontics may be recommended for teens and adults whose jaws have finished growing and who experience issues such as:
- Severe overbites or underbites
- Open bites or crossbites that cannot be corrected with braces alone
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing properly
- Jaw pain caused by misalignment
By combining jaw surgery with orthodontic treatment, we can improve both the function and appearance of the smile and face—often leading to life-changing results.
What to Expect
Surgical orthodontic treatment typically includes three phases:
- Pre-surgical Orthodontics: Braces or aligners are used to align the teeth in preparation for surgery.
- Orthognathic Surgery: Performed by an oral surgeon, the procedure repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
- Post-surgical Orthodontics: After healing, additional adjustments are made to perfect the bite and finalize the smile.
While this process takes time, our team is here to guide you through every step with clear communication, detailed planning, and ongoing support.
Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Matt’s experience and board certification ensure that your care is based on the highest standards of orthodontic practice. We collaborate with trusted local surgeons to ensure a smooth and successful outcome, and we take the time to educate and support our patients and families through every stage of treatment.
Have questions about surgical orthodontics? Schedule a consultation at our Madison, Harvest, or Athens location. We’ll walk you through your options and help you understand whether surgical orthodontics is the right path for your smile.
TMD/TMJ Treatment
If you’ve been dealing with frequent jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when you chew, or headaches that just won’t go away, you might be experiencing TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. At Gibson Orthodontics, we understand how disruptive TMD symptoms can be—and we’re here to help you find relief.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to the base of your skull and plays a vital role in speaking, chewing, and everyday movement. When this joint doesn’t function properly, it can lead to discomfort, limited movement, and a range of frustrating symptoms.
Common signs of TMD include:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Pain while chewing or yawning
- Jaw locking or limited movement
- Facial or neck pain
TMD can affect patients of all ages and may be caused by jaw misalignment, teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, injury, or bite issues.
How We Treat TMD at Gibson Orthodontics
Dr. Matt takes a personalized, conservative approach to diagnosing and treating TMD. Because orthodontic issues can often contribute to jaw dysfunction, our team evaluates how your teeth, bite, and jaw joints are working together.
Depending on your specific needs, treatment options may include:
- Orthodontic treatment to improve bite alignment
- Custom nightguards to reduce clenching and grinding
- Jaw repositioning appliances
- Lifestyle recommendations to reduce stress and inflammation
- Referrals to trusted specialists if advanced care is needed
Our goal is to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms—so you can feel better, move comfortably, and enjoy daily life without pain.
Struggling with jaw pain or bite discomfort? Schedule a consultation at our Madison, Harvest, or Athens office. We’ll help you understand what’s going on and create a clear plan to bring your smile—and your jaw—back into balance.
Multi-Disciplinary Cases
At Gibson Orthodontics, we understand that some smiles require more than just orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal health, function, and aesthetics. That’s where multi-disciplinary care comes in.
Multi-disciplinary cases involve collaboration between Dr. Matt and other dental or medical specialists—such as general dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, or pediatric dentists—to create a fully customized treatment plan. These cases are often more complex, but with the right team approach, they can lead to life-changing results.
When Is Multi-Disciplinary Treatment Needed?
We may recommend a collaborative treatment plan in cases involving:
- Impacted or missing teeth
- Severe bite issues or facial asymmetry
- Pre- or post-surgical orthodontics
- Restorative work such as crowns, bridges, or implants
- Gum health concerns or bone loss
- Trauma or injury affecting the teeth and jaw
- Combined orthodontic and cosmetic goals
Dr. Matt plays a central role in coordinating care—making sure each part of your treatment aligns perfectly with the others. Our focus is always on efficient communication, patient comfort, and outstanding outcomes.
Your Smile, One Cohesive Plan
Every multi-disciplinary case begins with a thorough evaluation and detailed planning. Dr. Matt works closely with your dental team to:
- Align the timing of treatments
- Share digital records and diagnostic imaging
- Coordinate surgical or restorative phases
- Monitor progress from start to finish
Our patients often tell us how reassuring it is to have a single point of contact who understands the full picture. Whether you’re preparing for implants, restoring a worn-down bite, or managing dental development for your child, you can count on us to guide the process with professionalism and care.
Have a complex dental case or a unique treatment need? Let’s build the right team together. Schedule a consultation at our Madison, Harvest, or Athens office to learn how Gibson Orthodontics can support your smile with collaborative, expert-driven care.