Phase 1 Orthodontics
Many people believe that orthodontics is synonymous for braces, but orthodontic treatment should begin years before a child needs braces. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age seven. An orthodontist can begin treating orthodontic issues in baby teeth for problems such as an underbite in children as young as age four.
Phase 1 Orthodontics can correct issues during the child’s growth that will prevent more invasive treatment later on. For example, widening the upper jaw can require minimal growth modification before the upper jawbone fuses around age eight. If waiting until after the jawbone has fused and the permanent teeth have erupted, the child may have to undergo jaw surgery and/or tooth extractions of permanent teeth to prepare for corrective orthodontic treatment. The Super Dentists can modify the shape of a younger jaw to help prevent crowding, impaction and other issues. Early treatment can prevent tooth extractions and facial or jaw surgery later when it’s a more invasive and costly procedure. In severe cases, waiting until the permanent teeth erupt can limit the success of braces alone.
In addition to procedures, Phase 1 Orthodontics can be helpful in correcting harmful habits such as thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting, which can lead to jaw surgery later on. Also, these habits can lead to protruding front teeth. Phase 1 Orthodontics can help lower the risk of trauma to these front teeth so they are not damaged or lost. We have found that younger children tend to be more compliant and cooperative with the right motivation, which is another reason to start orthodontic treatment early.
Because other children can be critical of children who look or speak differently, Phase 1 Orthodontics will help improve facial aesthetics and speech issues to increase your child’s self-confidence.
Phase 1 Orthodontics beginning by age seven can make a positive difference to your child’s appearance and self-esteem. If your child will require Phase 2 Orthodontics, the treatment time may be greatly reduced, the procedures may be less invasive and the expense may be less due to the steps taken in Phase 1 treatment.
Phase 2 Orthodontics
The Super Dentists orthodontists are experts in correcting issues such as overbites, underbites, crowding, crooked teeth, overlapping teeth or other reasons leading to braces or other orthodontic treatments.
Ideally, your child would have received Phase 1 Orthodontic care and a treatment plan for correcting any issues would have been created at that time. If not, The Super Dentists will work with you to create a treatment plan to correct your child’s dental issue.
