If you needed braces in the past, then you might be worried about your child having to undergo similar treatment. What if their baby teeth are already showing signs of misalignment? They may be able to get Phase 1 orthodontics, which can help prevent any problems from worsening. Keep reading to learn more about this service and how to tell if your child is right for it.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
In short, Phase 1 orthodontics is an interceptive treatment. It’s designed to prevent your child from needing more complex or surgical intervention for their malocclusion in the future. Starting this early can help their oral development. They can get straighter teeth or possibly even guide their jawbone.
The exact thing that is used depends on your child’s unique case. It can include space maintainers, expanders, tongue crib, headgear, or braces (possibly even on certain teeth), to name a few. These orthodontic appliances each have their own use, but by the time your loved one gets all their adult teeth, they might only need minor treatment.
How Can I Tell If My Child Needs Phase 1 Orthodontics?
There are some signs that you can look out for to see if your child can benefit from this interceptive service. One habit that might make them a good candidate is if they tend to suck their thumbs after turning four. While it is natural and even healthy, continuing past this age can lead to some trouble. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends stopping this by then, or it can lead to some bite problems.
When you look at your child’s happy smile, do you see that their top teeth sit a bit too forward or their bottom ones extend past the upper dental arch? These are known as overbite and underbite, but they can spell trouble. Not only can they cause pain when chewing, but they can also increase your child’s risk of sleep-breathing disorders.
You may notice that your loved one’s baby teeth look a bit crowded or misaligned. This can mean there isn’t enough room in their mouth, which can get worse as their permanent teeth come in. This creates nooks and crannies that can trap bacteria, increasing their risk of cavities or the likelihood of grinding or clenching. An expander is often helpful to guide the jawbone and create more room for the smile.
How Can I Start My Child on Phase 1 Orthodontics?
The best way to know if your child will benefit from this kind of treatment is with an orthodontic consultation. It’s usually recommended to get their first one by age seven. Figuring out how their mouth is developing can give you a better sense of their oral health. You can then help them avoid any serious intervention in the future and give them a more comfortable grin sooner.
About the Practice
At Wigal Orthodontics, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Timothy Wigal and Dr. Alex Kluemper. We are happy to help anyone wanting to get straighter teeth with the right treatment catered to them. That includes starting your child on Phase 1 orthodontics. By sticking with them, you can trust that we make it as comfortable as possible. If you want to learn if your loved one can benefit from this service, schedule an appointment for them or call our Mt. Vernon office at (740) 397-2111.