Phase 1 Orthodontics – Richardson
Setting Your Child’s Smile Up for Success!
As a parent, you want to give your child the best possible chance to succeed at everything! At EPO Dental Specialists, we are ready to help by providing orthodontic care at an early age to correct alignment issues among the baby teeth as well as prevent future misalignment of the permanent teeth. This is why it is recommended that children receive a full orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This way, we can identify issues and determine if and when treatment should begin. Read on to learn more about phase 1 orthodontics and how it works. To schedule an appointment for your child, give us a call!
How Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Works
Phase 1 orthodontics is used to accomplish three main goals:
- Correct alignment issues of the baby teeth.
- Give the adult teeth a clear path to grow in.
- Stop bad habits that inhibit proper oral development.
When you bring your child to their consultation, we will perform an exam. If we see orthodontic problems and signs that could indicate future issues, phase 1 orthodontics may be recommended. This approach takes about a year and sets the stage for your child’s adult teeth to erupt correctly.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
If we’re able to intervene before teeth erupt, we can often shift teeth more easily, avoid the need for more invasive treatment, and improve oral health. Some of the most obvious indicators of a need for early orthodontic intervention include:
- Upper teeth that jut out too far beyond lower teeth
- Lower teeth that jut out too far beyond upper teeth
- Thumb or finger sucking, lip biting, and tongue thrusting beyond the age of five
- Mouth breathing
- Teeth that are lost or avulsed too soon
- One or more impacted teeth
- Speech impairment
The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
There is a wide range of benefits that children can experience with pediatric orthodontics. Here are some of the prominent ones.
- Shorter Treatment Time: When a child undergoes phase 1 orthodontics, they usually require less orthodontic care in the long run. This helps parents and patients save time and money.
- Improved Confidence: Straightening the teeth can help children feel more confidence when showing off their smiles. This can make a huge difference in their mental health as they grow up.
- Easier Function: Straightening the teeth early helps to promote proper development. This helps your children eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
When does phase 1 orthodontics take place?
Phase 1 orthodontics for kids usually takes place between the ages of 6 and 9. At this stage, most kids have a mix of permanent and baby teeth. Often, this is the best time to positively influence the growth of the jaw and prevent future problems.
If your child is in this age range and has not yet undergone a full orthodontic evaluation, we encourage you to request an appointment. They may not need treatment, but if they do, you do not want to miss this critical window and cause your child to need more extensive care later on.
What appliances are used in phase 1 orthodontics?
Phase 1 treatment can use a variety of appliances, such as:
- Partial braces to gently shift the teeth
- A palatal expander to widen the upper jaw
- Space maintainers to preserve the space left by baby teeth that fell out prematurely
- A Herbst appliance to correct imbalances in the jaw
- A retainer to protect the results achieved by braces or other appliances
During your child’s consultation, Dr. Ortiz and our team can help you understand the details of their treatment plan and why we recommend specific appliances.
Is phase 1 orthodontics painful?
As a loving parent, you may naturally be concerned about whether treatment will cause pain or discomfort for your child. Usually, placement of orthodontic appliances is pretty comfortable. However, as the braces or other devices start applying targeted pressure to the oral structures, some discomfort and soreness are common. This usually lasts a few days after placement of the appliance, as well as after any adjustments.
A soft diet and over-the-counter pain relievers may reduce your child’s discomfort. Severe pain is a red flag and is a reason to call our practice immediately.
Does phase 1 orthodontics affect diet and nutrition?
Some orthodontic appliances are removable. They can be taken out at mealtimes, and then your child can eat as normal. Other appliances are fixed in the mouth and come with certain dietary restrictions. For example, your child may need to eat mostly soft foods. After any meal during orthodontic treatment, brushing and flossing can reduce the risk of complications like cavities and bad breath. Our team will provide specific dietary and hygiene instructions based on your child’s unique treatment plan.
How long does phase 1 orthodontic treatment last?
In most cases, phase 1 orthodontic treatment may last 9 – 12 months. We can make an estimate for your child’s case during their consultation. Of course, things like how your child’s body responds to treatment, as well as their compliance with our instructions, can also influence the treatment timeline.
After the initial phase of treatment is complete, a retainer may be necessary to maintain the results and make sure your child’s smile is ready for phase 2 orthodontia if it is necessary in the future.