Many parents and guardians believe their child should wait until all their adult teeth have arrived to undergo orthodontic treatment. It’s easy to assume that their primary teeth don’t need to be straightened if they’re only going to fall out anyway.
However, in certain situations, it can benefit younger children to receive Phase 1 Orthodontics to address tooth or bite misalignments earlier than you might think is necessary. If your pediatric dentist has recommended this service, you might question why your child needs it or how it can help. Continue reading to learn more about this treatment and why it may have been suggested!
What is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Phase 1 Orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, addresses misalignment issues before a child’s permanent teeth erupt. It’s used to fix problems with crooked teeth or malocclusions (bite misalignments) to ensure their adult teeth can grow as straight as possible when they arrive. Typically, this service is recommended for kids who are between 7 and 11 years old and can last anywhere from 9 to 12 months.
When is Phase 1 Orthodontics Necessary?
Your child’s smile is likely in a transition period by the time they’re 7 or 8 years old. They’ve probably lost some of their baby teeth and have larger permanent ones coming in. You might think it’s too early to tell if they’re going to need braces, but your pediatric dentist knows what signs to look for.
Your kid might need this interceptive treatment to address:
- Malocclusions like a crossbite, open bite, underbite, or deep overbite.
- Overcrowded or crooked teeth that are difficult to keep clean.
- Flared upper teeth.
- Spacing issues.
- Thumb or finger-sucking habits.
Although your little one may still require braces later in life, starting them with Phase 1 Orthodontics can expedite their future treatment timeline.
Is My Child a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Before recommending this method, your pediatric dentist will examine your child’s dental condition and take images and X-rays to see what’s happening below the surface of their gums. This allows them to view their current teeth and the adult ones that haven’t yet pushed through the connective tissue. If they see potential problems with how their future smile might grow in, they will recommend appropriate preventative measures like interceptive orthodontics.
This also ensures that they can address any other dental issues that might interfere with their future oral health, like cavities or gum disease, before they can affect the permanent teeth waiting to arrive.
If you’re unsure whether your kid could benefit from Phase 1 Orthodontics, the best way to find out is to ask your provider at their next appointment!
About the Author
Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan has 10+ years of experience helping children at all stages of development build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She earned her dental doctorate at Temple University where she later achieved her Orthodontic Certification and a Master’s in Biomedical Science. Now, she’s a board-certified specialist, so you know your child’s grin is in good hands. She offers a wide array of top-quality services conveniently under one roof, including Phase 1 Orthodontics. If you’re worried about your kid’s smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (678) 456-5572.