Children - Phase One Orthodontics

Having a great smile is the result of constant care and nurture that starts at a very young age. As parents, we'd do anything to make sure that our child has a healthy, and strong set of teeth. According to the ADA, it is recommended that children start seeing a board-certified orthodontist by the age of seven. Early visits to an orthodontist can help us track and guide teeth movement, jaw growth, and facial features.

What is Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Phase 1 or baby teeth orthodontic care is a type of dental treatment recommended for children who still have some of their baby teeth before all of their permanent teeth have erupted. We may think that misaligned baby teeth could pose no threat to the child's dental health, which is sadly a misconception that many tend to think.

Your child's baby teeth have a significant role to play in his/her ability to eat, speak, and even breathe comfortably. Guiding its growth and development helps clear the path for permanent teeth enabling the child to carry out proper functions of the mouth.

Phase 1 orthodontics aims at addressing these issues at an early stage. Without proper care and attention to baby teeth, the child may require extended treatment to correct their problems. It helps to avoid and lessen future orthodontic problems by mitigating and correcting current ones.

When would my child require Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Children would typically require Phase 1 Orthodontics when:

• They have crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
• They have teeth that are protruded
• Their teeth have difficulty with bites
• They exhibit habits that could potentially affect their dental development such as thumb sucking
• They have trouble pronouncing
• They experience breathing problems
• They have disproportioned jaws
• Their upcoming adult teeth get obstructed by baby teeth

It is important to schedule an appointment with the dentist for your child's dental needs to understand how we can help improve the above conditions. The Phase 1 orthodontic treatment will involve a series of steps to improve mild to moderate teeth conditions. After the child has completed phase 1 treatment, the dentist would prescribe a waiting period before beginning the next phase or phase 2 orthodontic treatment.

Be sure to stay ahead and informed of your child's dental condition by scheduling an appointment with us. Book online or call our office at (916) 575-9990 to schedule your appointment.