Even though your child’s baby teeth aren’t a permanent fixture in their precious smile, they play an important role in your son or daughter’s long-term oral health. These temporary teeth can reveal a lot about how your little one’s jaw is developing, how their permanent teeth will come in, and if there’s a chance they may develop severe orthodontic issues later in life. Thankfully, if they’re at risk of needing complex orthodontic care when they’re older, your child’s Randolph orthodontist can utilize an interceptive treatment to address and correct the issue as early as possible. Read on to find out if your son or daughter would benefit from Phase 1 Orthodontics.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a checkup from their orthodontist before they turn seven, regardless of how crooked or straight their teeth are. This is usually when some of the baby teeth have fallen out, but not all of them. At this point, your child’s orthodontist can get a clearer picture of their oral development. Much like any health problem, the earlier orthodontic issues are detected, the easier they are to treat successfully.
What is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
If your child’s orthodontist notices early warning signs of development complications, they may recommend Phase 1 Orthodontics. This interceptive treatment aims to correct problems as early as possible in order to prevent the need for future, potentially more complicated, dental work.
Like any orthodontic treatment, Phase 1 Orthodontics is customized to each patients’ unique smile. Depending on the issues that need to be addressed, treatment typically utilizes functional appliances, limited braces, or specialized retainers over the course of nine to 12 months. Over that period of time, your child’s orthodontist will be able to:
- Correct bite problems such as open, cross, or deep bite.
- Guide the growth of the jaw to accommodate emerging teeth.
- Lower the risk of damage to any protruding teeth.
Does My Child Need Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Not every child needs Phase 1 Orthodontics. However, only the keen eye of your child’s orthodontist can spot early indications of issues that need to be addressed with this interceptive treatment. That’s why it’s important for your son or daughter to have a checkup with their orthodontist by the time they’re seven years old. You should also keep an eye out for symptoms that could indicate your little one needs Phase 1 Orthodontics, such as:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Teeth that stick out
- Gaps between teeth
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Overaggressive thumb-sucking
- Their jaw seems disproportionate to the rest of their head
Phase 1 Orthodontics is a simple, safe, and effective way to set your child up for better oral health and a straighter smile. Talk to your child’s Randolph orthodontist today to see if this unique treatment is right for your son or daughter!
About the Practice
Simply Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is proud to offer a wide range of specialty services for the growing smiles of Randolph, MA and the surrounding communities. Our team of highly trained and experienced orthodontists and pediatric dentists will ensure that your little one gets the truly personalized care they need for their unique smile. If you’d like to schedule a consultation to see if they’re a candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics, we can be reached via our website or at (781) 767-7200.