Does your child still have their baby teeth? Does it appear that they may already be dealing with issues that warrant orthodontic treatment? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, it may be time to ask, “Is my child a candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?” The only way to find out is to schedule a consultation with their orthodontist. But before you arrive for your visit, we encourage you to read the following article so that you better understand what criteria are necessary for your child to need Phase 1 orthodontic treatment.
What is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
During an orthodontic evaluation – that is typically performed at the age of 7 or 8 – an orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw. Depending on what they see, it may be necessary to consider Phase 1 Orthodontics.
Instead of thrusting a child into full braces, this process involves addressing a specific problem (i.e., misaligned jaws, bite problems, poor adult tooth development, or oral habits that are affecting the bite) using an orthodontic appliance. In some cases, patients may require the removal of a few baby teeth and/or what is considered “early braces.”
It is not uncommon for a child to receive a palatal expander or a retainer to assist in correcting their particular issue.
Is My Child a Good Candidate for Treatment?
Your child’s orthodontist will need to conduct a thorough examination to determine if they are a good candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics. Typically, if it appears there are any signs of the following, your child will be provided a personalized treatment plan that includes details about how they plan to improve your child’s smile.
Children who have one or more of the following are likely candidates:
- Misaligned bites (i.e., excess overbite, an underbite, a crossbite, a large open bite)
- Practiced prolonged non-nutrient habits (i.e., thumb-sucking, pacifier use)
- Spacial problems with teeth
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Front teeth that flare outward
- Constricted/narrow jaws
- Gum recession
- Severe adult tooth rotations
What Can They Expect After Treatment is Complete?
Phase 1 Orthodontics is designed to accomplish a limited number of goals to prevent more extensive work, uncomfortable treatment modalities (like surgery) or a compromised treatment result when the patient is ready for Phase 2 Orthodontics. You should know prior to Phase 1 Treatment that a second phase of orthodontics will likely be necessary once all permanent teeth are in place.
In between the completion of Phase I and the start of Phase II, your child will need to wear a retainer to avoid undoing any of the work. This retainer will last for about one year. Once your child reaches pre-adolescence (around 10-13 years old), their orthodontist will likely recommend full braces.
Getting Phase I Orthodontics for your child may be needed in order to achieve the best possible result from comprehensive (Phase 2) orthodontic treatment down the line. With these helpful tips and a clearer understanding of Phase 1 Orthodontics, you can better identify when it’s time to talk to your child’s orthodontist about the future of their smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Youel is a trusted orthodontist in Grayslake who leads a team of qualified staff that is dedicated to your and your family’s dental health. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with his Doctor of Dental Surgery, he completed a 12-month hospital-based residency and practiced general dentistry for a few years. He later completed a 3-year residency in orthodontics. During his orthodontic residency, he earned his specialist credentials as an orthodontist as well as a Master of Science in oral sciences. If you believe your child might benefit from Phase 1 Orthodontics, contact us at (847) 548-4330.
