Phase 1 Orthodontics is a worthwhile investment for many parents whose children suffer from a poorly positioned jaw, lack of space for erupting teeth, or even protruding front teeth. While many adults are unaware if their child should receive this type of treatment, scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist can ensure young, developing smiles are placed on the right path. Keep reading to discover if this early form of orthodontics is right for your child.
What Signs Indicate the Need for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
An orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite during an initial consultation and determine if Phase 1 Orthodontics is right for them. However, if you have yet to make an appointment but want to know what signs to look for, there’s a good chance your child’s orthodontist will suggest treatment if they have:
- A poorly aligned bite (i.e., underbite, crossbite, overbite, open bite)
- Gaps between teeth
- A poorly developed jaw or bite because of non-nutritive habits performed as a child (i.e., thumb-sucking or pacifier use)
- Overcrowded teeth
- Speech impediment
- Difficulty breathing at night
- Protruding teeth that are at risk of becoming damaged
How Can Phase 1 Orthodontics Help?
By agreeing to allow your child to receive Phase 1 Orthodontics, you’ll find that early treatment helps minimize the chances of more invasive and complex oral healthcare in the future.
While it is possible for your child to need Phase 2 Orthodontics once more permanent teeth have erupted (this is typically when traditional braces are used), this is not always the case. Early orthodontics can sometimes be enough to address the underlying problem.
With Phase 1 Orthodontics, though, you can expect to notice an improvement in your child’s ability to:
- Maintain better oral health because they can easily clean between their teeth as well as along the surfaces
- Eat more nutrient-rich foods and enjoy a healthier diet
- Speak clearly without any kind of impediment
- Breathe easily while asleep
- Worry less about accidental damage to their teeth
- Feel more confident in their appearance
Although Phase 1 Orthodontics is designed to treat baby teeth, don’t dismiss the positive changes that can occur with early treatment. While these teeth will eventually fall out, the improvements being made now will have a positive impact on your child’s future, permanent smile.
About Grand Dental – Franklin Park
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, our orthodontist, Dr. Sam Allen, earned his dental degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and received a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry at VCU. He works closely with patients and their parents to ensure each smile is on the right path, which is why he offers Phase 1 Orthodontic treatment. Visit our website or call (847) 860-7093 to find out if this early solution is right for your child.