Many folks tend to link orthodontics with older kids. Fair enough – most of the field’s patients are teens and adolescents. Still, the truth is that some kids need braces with their baby teeth as well. Such children have better long-term oral health when they wear these devices. Your Tuczon pediatric dentist can even prove that fact with the relevant evidence. So, read on to learn about phase one orthodontics, how it works, and how it could help your child.
What’s Phase One Orthodontics?
Some children require braces before they reach their tween years. For these kids, the best solution is phase one orthodontics.
Phase one orthodontics is the early interceptive treatment of a young child’s smile. It’s done (if needed) when the patient is 7-11 years old and still has most of their baby teeth. Through various oral devices, it aims to improve facial balance, dental development, and oral alignment.
This field’s orthodontic appliances can be used alone or as part of two-phase treatments. That said, the option for your child will depend on their needs. You can talk to your orthodontist about the matter at a consultation visit.
How Does It Work?
Following your child’s dental checkup, an orthodontist may suggest phase one orthodontics. They could then outline how it’d work based on your situation.
Kids with irregular jaw or teeth are ideal for phase one orthodontics. For example, they may suffer from dental overcrowding, a protruding tooth (or several), too much space in their smiles, etc. Such issues would be corrected with a palate expander or partial braces on only a few adult teeth. The exact device(s) used vary from patient to patient.
All in all, this early orthodontic work only lasts twelve months. It won’t take up much of your youngster’s childhood. However, the exact timing can differ based on certain treatment factors. Treatment could be as short as six months or as long as eighteen months.
How Can It Help?
With phase one orthodontics, an orthodontist can greatly improve your child’s long-term oral health. Your little one would then get to avoid severe mouth issues later.
You see, phase one orthodontics intervenes while your child’s mouth is still developing. It can thus:
- Help your child give up thumb-sucking
- Close tooth gaps before they widen
- Ensure space for the eruption of permanent teeth
- Improve the efficiency of future orthodontic work
- Enhance the ability to speak, bite, and chew well
As you can see, many kids need braces with their baby teeth. Talk to your dental provider to see if your little one also requires them.
About the Practice
Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry and Orthodontics is based in Tucson, AZ. Led by Dr. Alison Fitzgerald, our practice works tirelessly to give your whole family dreamy smiles. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care. Our team also provides several teeth-straightening options, including phase 1 orthodontic treatment. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (520)-338-2980.