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Phase I orthodontics may reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future.
At the consultation, the orthodontist will determine if early treatment is necessary and beneficial for your child. First, the orthodontist will examine your child’s jaw, dental arches, and teeth to check for early signs of gaps, crowding, and misalignment. They will also address all oral habits like nail biting, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking. Your orthodontist will be sure to share helpful flossing and brushing techniques to ensure good oral hygiene and a successful treatment outcome for your little one.
Your orthodontist will then take a series of X-rays and impressions to document your child’s facial profile as well as any tooth or bite issues to determine if extractions or removable appliances will be necessary, such as a space maintainer, palatal expander, or limited braces. Each case is unique, so while some children benefit from a device used to maintain or move teeth and jaw positions, others see better results when some baby teeth are removed.
After gathering data and deciding on the best early orthodontic treatment for your child, your orthodontist will securely place a custom dental appliance into your child’s mouth. Once your child’s dental appliance is securely placed, your orthodontist will check for proper fitting to ensure maximum comfort and will review instructions for proper maintenance.
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s orthodontist every 4-8 weeks to monitor progress. Early treatment can be completed in 12 months or less, so your child can enjoy a strong, healthy smile for life.
A space maintainer is a custom-made dental appliance, which holds space for your child's remaining permanent teeth to erupt into place. Made of acrylic or metal material (sometimes both), this appliance can be removable or cemented in your child's mouth.
Palatal expanders are metal orthodontic appliances placed on the roof of your child’s mouth to widen the palate over time. These appliances expand narrow palates while aligning the upper teeth and jaw before it fully develops.
Limited braces are medical-grade stainless steel brackets and archwires that straighten a few of your child’s misaligned teeth over time.
While many Phase 1 orthodontic procedures include a dental appliance or limited braces, it may be necessary to refer for tooth extraction to allow for improved eruption of the remaining adult teeth.
Early interceptive orthodontics can reduce your child’s chance of dental injury.
If your child is showcasing one or more of the following signs & symptoms, they may be a good candidate for early interceptive orthodontic treatment:
Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.
Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could worsen over time and cause severe dental issues in adulthood if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to recognize and eliminate these problems as early as possible, so a child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child with a tailored treatment.
The cost of early interceptive orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s early interceptive orthodontics is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
4.5 million children wear braces each year to achieve the smile of their dreams.
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