Many people get braces during adolescence to correct problems with their bite or alignment issues. They are considered a rite of passage for many and can give them straighter, more uniform smiles that helped them feel more confident in their pearly whites. If you are the parent of a child who has orthodontic issues, it can be difficult to know when they’re old enough to begin treatment. That’s where phase one orthodontics comes in. Continue reading to learn more about this treatment, the problems it can correct, and if your child is a good candidate for it.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Phase 1 orthodontics is a treatment that is designed to address orthodontic problems in young children. It is often recommended for children who still have their baby teeth as well as some of their adult teeth. Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is advantageous because it can make any future orthodontic treatments they get much easier to complete. Additionally, phase 1 orthodontics sometimes allows children to bypass braces altogether.
Why Do Children Need Early Orthodontics?
As children grow and continue to develop, their teeth can shift in several directions. Some children are lucky because they end up having smiles that require minimal effort to straighten. However, others have to undergo various orthodontic treatments to address certain issues early on. There are several ways that phase 1 orthodontics can help your child, including:
- Corrects improper dental development due to bad habits like thumb sucking
- Guides jawbone growth so there’s enough room for erupting teeth
- Enhances the appearance of their smile and their self-esteem
- Improves ability to bite and chew as well as teeth function
- Minimizes risk of damaging protruding teeth
- Corrects the position of their jaw
- Corrects their dental arch
Is My Child a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
There is a range of orthodontic issues that may qualify your little one for phase 1 orthodontics. Bite problems such as underbites, overbites, open bites, and cross bites often require treatment. Additionally, if they have missing teeth, gaps between their pearly whites, or teeth that erupt incorrectly, these will also need to be addressed. If you’re concerned about your child’s smile, speak with their orthodontist to learn the best way to proceed.
Phase 1 orthodontics is a great option for many children with orthodontic issues. This treatment may be just what your little one needs to correct smile problems for a more confident and uniform beam!
About the Practice
Dr. Neil Dean leads the team at KidSmiles Dental & Orthodontics. He specializes in all things related to helping your child keep their pearly whites healthy and bright. He treats patients in Flower Mound as well as the surrounding communities with a range of treatments, such as phase 1 orthodontics for young patients with orthodontic issues. This can help them get a jump on things so they can prevent worse problems down the line and achieve gorgeous, healthy grins. Call KidSmiles Dental & Orthodontics at (972) 884-5450 or visit their website for more information or to set up an appointment.
