You may have been recommended by your dentist to consider Phase 1 Orthodontic treatment for your elementary school-aged child – but you might be thinking, ‘Aren’t they too young?’.
The short answer is – No! They’re not too young. Actually, Phase 1 orthodontic treatment focuses on addressing dental and jaw development issues in children typically between the ages of 7 and 10 – usually when there is still a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The goal is to guide the proper development of a child’s jaw and create enough space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. This is accomplished by addressing issues like crossbites, overcrowding, or jaw misalignment early on, thus preventing more severe problems from developing later in life. This may potentially reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later. The most commonly prescribed treatment plan involves an expander, although it is not a requirement. Read on to find out more about how we approach Phase 1 here at Emerick Orthodontics.
Goals of Phase 1 Treatment
- Create Space for Permanent Teeth: Encourage better alignment and minimize crowding.
- Guide Jaw Growth: Help align the upper and lower jaws, which helps prevent or reduce more severe issues later.
- Improve Functionality: Address chewing, biting, or speech problems early.
- Reduce Risk of Trauma: Correct protruding front teeth to prevent injury.
Common Conditions Treated in Phase 1
- Crowding or spacing issues
- Crossbites (when upper teeth bite inside lower teeth)
- Underbites or overbites
- Narrow or misaligned jaws
- Early loss of baby teeth (creating space issues for future permanent teeth)
- Thumb-sucking habits affecting bite alignment
Appliances Used in Phase 1 Treatment
- Expanders: Widens the upper jaw to make room for teeth and improve bite alignment.
- Braces: Partial braces may be used to address specific alignment issues. These are typically bonded to the top 6 and possibly the lower 6 teeth. We offer both metal and clear ceramic braces options.
- Aligners: Both Invisalign and Angel Aligners offer phase 1 options for children to address alignment issues.
- Space Maintainers: Prevents shifting of teeth when baby teeth are lost prematurely.
- Headgear: Guides jaw growth and corrects alignment in specific cases.
Retainers: Holds improvements in place as the jaw continues to grow.
Benefits of Early Intervention
- Reduces the need for more complex treatments in the future.
- Prevents potential tooth extractions or surgery later in life.
- Shortens or simplifies Phase 2 treatment when all permanent teeth are present.
Timing of Treatment
- Duration: Phase 1 typically lasts 9-12 months, depending on the child’s needs.
- Monitoring Growth: Regular check-ups are essential to track progress and ensure the treatment plan evolves as needed.
What Happens After Phase 1?
- After Phase 1, children enter a “resting period” to allow permanent teeth to erupt naturally.
- Phase 2 treatment (if needed) typically occurs during adolescence and involves full braces or aligners to fine-tune alignment and bite.
Key Considerations for Parents
- Readiness for Treatment: Early orthodontic evaluations, usually around age 7, help determine if Phase 1 treatment is necessary.
- Collaboration: Success relies on the child’s cooperation, especially with wearing appliances as instructed.
Insurance and Costs: Many insurance plans partially cover Phase 1; discuss payment options during the consultation.
In summary, Phase 1 Orthodontics may be necessary depending on your child’s unique needs. With collaboration between their primary dentist, parents, and Dr. Emerick, we are confident we can find a solution to fit your family’s needs. Call us if you have any questions or click to schedule a free consultation.