If your child has symptoms that could point toward tooth alignment or jaw development differences, early orthodontic treatment could help protect their smile and their lifelong oral health. This article explains why Phase 1 orthodontics (also known as early interceptive orthodontics) is important and how it could help your child avoid significant problems in later life.
Why Evaluate Children So Early?
Many children around the age of 7 have lost some primary teeth and gained a few permanent teeth already. This phase of mixed dentition allows your child’s orthodontist to see how their teeth are progressing and if they can spot any potential trouble signs.
When We Recommend Phase 1 Orthodontics
The following signs are some of the most common reasons we recommend Phase 1 orthodontic treatment:
- Late thumb-sucking or pacifier use (past age 3)
- Tongue thrusting
- Children who lost primary teeth before the usual age
- Severe crowding or tooth spacing issues
- Bite issues including crossbite, underbite, or overbite
- Differences in skeletal development including a narrow or misaligned jaw
Types of Phase 1 Orthodontics Treatment We Provide
Our orthodontists have several treatment options to benefit your child. We may use just one of these techniques or combine them with others.
Palatal Expanders
A palatal expander fits on your child’s upper palate. Over time, the doctor will adjust the appliance to guide your child’s upper jaw to grow wider. Palatal expanders can correct narrow jaws, leading to better breathing, more even teeth, and a more symmetrical facial appearance as the child grows.
Habit Appliances
We also use small appliances that can help a child overcome a thumb or finger-sucking habit before it can disrupt oral and facial development. A tongue crib is the most common.
Space Maintainers
If a child loses a primary tooth too soon, its neighbors may drift inward so the permanent tooth underneath cannot properly erupt. A space maintainer is a small device that fits between a child’s teeth and helps keep the space open for a permanent tooth to emerge in the correct place.
Long-Term Prospects After Phase 1 Orthodontics
Many children who receive Phase 1 orthodontics treatment do not need invasive treatment like orthognathic or jaw surgery later in life.
Many children who undergo Phase 1 orthodontics go on to need Phase 2 treatment, commonly known as traditional or comprehensive treatment. However, some children will not need traditional/comprehensive treatment after Phase 1 treatment. Whether or not your child needs Phase 2 treatment depends on the severity of their tooth alignment or jaw development challenges.
Early Intervention Works
If your child’s teeth or jaw cause concerns for you or the child’s dentist, contact us at your convenience to schedule a consultation. We need not wait until age 7 to evaluate your child. The earlier we understand your child’s issues, the more effective treatment will be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phase 1 Orthodontics
How long does Phase 1 orthodontics take?
Typically, the process of Phase 1 orthodontics takes about 12 months. After the process concludes, we typically have your child wear a retainer to prepare for the next phase.
Why is thumb and finger sucking harmful past a certain age?
Thumb and finger sucking is harmless for the very young, but after the child’s primary teeth have fully erupted, the constant presence of a foreign object in the mouth can shift tooth alignment.
How does a palatal expander work?
Palatal expanders help your child’s jaw grow more symmetrically and to the proper proportions in relation to their facial features. The appliance works by slowly growing wider over time as adjusted by your child’s orthodontist. To widen the appliance, the orthodontist turns a small screw. These appliances provide gentle pressure day and night to encourage the jaw to grow normally.
Why are space maintainers so important?
A space maintainer is a simple and ingenious solution to a problem that may seem trivial, but can impact your child’s oral development for years to come. When a primary tooth falls out too soon or needs extraction, we can stabilize your child’s tooth alignment using these devices.
Can’t we wait until our child’s permanent teeth have erupted before starting treatment?
You can, but orthodontists who work with young children recommend having an early evaluation to protect your child’s oral health in the long term. A more even, symmetrical smile has oral and physical health benefits as well as helping a child feel more confident.
Our team at Hass Family Orthodontics encourages you to call and schedule an appointment with us today. We want to help your child enjoy a lifetime of excellent oral health. Please contact us to book your child’s evaluation today!