Phase 1 Orthodontics – Cumming, GA
Straightening Smiles While They’re Still Growing
Although most people think about straightening their child’s teeth whenever they’re teenagers, you can start improving their orthodontic situation when they’re still young. To ensure their oral and overall well-being, it’s highly recommended that parents bring their children in for a Phase 1 Orthodontics consultation before they’ve turned 7 years old. Our team can evaluate their smile and determine if they’re developing any problems that can be addressed early on. Keep reading to learn more about his treatment or give us a call today to schedule an appointment for your little one!
Why Choose Village Pediatric Dentistry for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
- Highly Experienced Orthodontist
- Talented & Caring Dental Team
- Prioritizes Patient Comfort
How Phase 1 Orthodontics Works
Otherwise referred to as “interceptive orthodontics,” Phase 1 Orthodontics is meant to help guide children’s teeth and jaw patterns as they grow so that they can have a higher chance of enjoying a straighter smile in the long run. This treatment is personalized specifically for each patient’s situation, and it can involve a multitude of techniques and appliances, including expanders, short-term braces, a space maintainer, or a combination of these things.
Phase 1 Orthodontics typically lasts around 10 to 14 months, and the timeframe can change depending on the patient’s unique treatment plan. After your little one has finished the process, our team can go on monitoring their smile’s development. If needed, we can begin Phase 1 orthodontics once their adult teeth have begun erupting.
Who is a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
It’s important to remember that not every child will need to undergo Phase 1 Orthodontics. However, many patients can benefit greatly from the treatment. In some cases, it’s recommended for a child to undergo the process if they have:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Trouble chewing
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- A misaligned jaw
The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
Some of the advantages of having your child undergo Phase 1 Orthodontics include the following:
- Short treatment time: If a child undergoes interceptive orthodontics, they can end up needing less orthodontic care later on. This can help save time and money in the long run.
- Simpler function: By aligning your child’s teeth early on, you can help promote optimal development that can allow them to enjoy easier eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably.
- Greater confidence: Straightening your little one’s smile from the get-go can help them feel more confident in the way they look, which can improve both their mental and social well-being.
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
When Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Take Place?
Otherwise known as “interceptive orthodontics,” phase 1 orthodontics typically begins when a child is between 6-9 years old. Generally speaking, it should be in the age range when children start losing their baby teeth so that their adult pearly whites can develop. Due to the changes in their bite, orthodontists find this the perfect time to check for disturbances in their jaw growth as well as any other problems that can be resolved while the patient is still young. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists highly recommends that children undergo an orthodontic checkup before they become 7 years old. This way they can have preventive measures to keep their smile straight and healthy.
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Painful?
Once our team can provide your little one with their personalized dental appliance, you should expect there to be an adjustment period where your child might experience some mild discomfort. That said, this should only be a temporary condition and usually fades away as they get accustomed to their treatment process. In most cases, you can easily help your child manage their situation by having them take over-the-counter pain relievers or using a cold compress to alleviate soreness. It’s also important to remember that phase 1 orthodontics can effectively help your little one avoid future discomfort, as their treatment can ensure that their smile is well-aligned, allowing them to enjoy optimal comfort while chewing and speaking.
What Issues Can Phase 1 Orthodontics Address?
Phase 1 orthodontics is generally meant to help address certain tooth and jaw issues while they are in the beginning stages of maturation. For instance, your child’s smile might require some assistance to prevent overcrowding, large gaps between their teeth, protruding teeth, or even premature or late loss of their baby teeth. If your little one is showing orthodontic issues like an overbite, underbite, or some other type of malocclusion (bad bite), then phase 1 orthodontics can treat this early on. In essence, this treatment can help address bite problems while your little one is still young so that you can set them up with orthodontic success as they grow up.
What Appliances Are Used in Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Some of the typical appliances utilized for phase 1 orthodontics include the following:
- Braces: Your child might receive braces on specific teeth, not their whole smile.
- Space maintainer: If your little one loses a baby tooth too early, we can use a space maintainer to prevent dental shifting as well as to leave room for their permanent tooth to erupt.
- Palate expander: This device helps widen the upper jaw so that there’s more space for your child’s teeth and can even promote a clearer airway.
- Retainer: Once your child has undergone phase 1 orthodontics, we’ll typically provide a custom retainer to help maintain their treatment results.