Phase 1 Orthodontics – Franklin Park, IL
Guiding the Development of a Healthy Smile
Generally speaking, it is wise to begin orthodontic treatment as early on as possible. At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, we highly recommend that you schedule a phase 1 orthodontic consultation for your child before they are 7 years old. Thanks to our in-house orthodontic specialist and the other talented dental experts in our office, we will be able to identify issues with your child’s teeth and jaws so that they can be treated in a timely manner. It is all part of our goal to provide truly comprehensive dental care for families in our community. If your little one is the right age for an orthodontic checkup, please contact our office today.
Why Choose Grand Dental – Franklin Park for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
- Orthodontic Specialist on Staff
- Years of Experience Working with Children
- Multiple Customized Orthodontic Solutions
Why Your Child Should See an Orthodontist Before Age 7
When your child is 7 years old, their permanent teeth have already begun to erupt. However, some of their primary teeth are still in place. It is at this crucial stage of development that an orthodontist can spot potential issues with jaw growth and occlusion (bite alignment). It is much easier to make changes to the jaws and teeth before the mouth is fully developed, so identifying orthodontic problems early on is best. That is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends age 7 as the ideal time for a child to attend an orthodontic appointment. Doing so allows our on-staff orthodontist in Franklin Park to guide the development of your child’s mouth as needed.
Does My Child Need Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Many developmental issues with the teeth and jaws can be properly identified only by an orthodontic specialist. That is why scheduling an appointment for your child is so important. A pediatric or general dentist may also be able to spot the need for orthodontic care during a routine checkup. Of course, parents are also an important part of a child’s dental team. You might notice some warning signs in your child that point to the need for orthodontic care, such as:
- Crooked, overcrowded teeth
- Large gaps between the teeth
- Protruding teeth
- A disproportionate jaw
- A speech impediment
- Frequent difficulty breathing
How Does Phase 1 Treatment Work?
Each orthodontic treatment plan is customized to a child’s unique needs. Various types of orthodontic appliances may be used according to the specifics of the situation. For example, a palatal expander may be used to ensure that there is enough room in your child’s upper jaw for all of the adult teeth to erupt. If your child has prematurely lost one or more baby teeth, they may need a space maintainer to prevent other teeth from drifting into the gap. In some cases, a child may need braces as part of phase 1 treatment.
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment usually lasts 10 – 14 months, but it may be longer or shorter depending on a patient’s needs. After phase 1 is complete, our team will continue to monitor the development of your child’s month. If necessary, phase 2 orthodontic treatment will start around the time your child is 11 years old, after most of their permanent teeth should have erupted.
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Painful?
Your child should not expect to experience any pain while receiving their appliance. Our team at Grand Dental – Franklin Park will ensure the entire process remains smooth and comfortable for your little one. However, it’s possible that after the appliance is properly put in place, your child will experience some mild discomfort. This is usually only temporary since the mouth will need some time to adjust. Fortunately, this should not take long. You can help your child achieve relief from the pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever and/or cold compress.
It's important to remember that forgoing treatment will only cause your child to experience more pain, so minor, temporary discomfort early on is worth the investment.
Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Affect Diet & Nutrition?
Depending on the type of appliance your child receives, their diet may be affected. If it is removable, they will be able to eat normally with no issues; however, if they have a palate expander or another type of appliance (i.e., braces) that is attached to teeth, they will likely need to avoid certain foods (i.e., nuts, raw vegetables, steak, etc.).
With permanent appliances, your child should stick to a soft food diet that allows for minimal pressure while their mouth is adjusting. This can include soft vegetables and meats, dairy, and bread.
Is It Okay for a Child to Play Sports While Wearing Braces?
Generally, yes, it is fine for a child to play sports while wearing braces; however, they will need to wear appropriate mouth protection such as a custom athletic sportsguard. This device can prevent damage to their teeth and gums as well as their appliance. They are made to fit over the device (i.e., braces) so that they are comfortable to wear.
Should your child sustain an orthodontic injury while playing sports, though, don’t wait to call our office for emergency care.
What Changes Should My Child Make While Wearing Braces?
There are a few key tips that can help your child navigate Phase 1 Orthodontics seamlessly. These include:
- Avoiding crunchy, hard, or sticky foods
- Staying on top of their oral hygiene routine, which means brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily so that bacteria do not build up around their brackets and wires
- Using dental wax should their brackets rub against their cheeks, lips, or tongue and cause sores or irritation