Dental misalignments can lead to a long list of unpleasant consequences for one’s oral and overall health, so it’s often best to address these issues before a person reaches adulthood. While you’re probably used to associating braces with adolescents who have already received all their adult teeth, it may be necessary to begin the realignment process earlier than that. Here’s a quick guide to why your child may benefit from phase 1 orthodontics.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
The dental community recommends that each child receives an orthodontic evaluation by the age of eight to determine if they will need orthodontic appliances such as braces, expanders, space maintainers, or tongue cribs. While it’s best to wait to treat many misalignments until the adolescent years, it is sometimes necessary to begin the orthodontic process while a child is still in elementary school.
Early treatment may be able to address an alignment issue completely or prepare a child for further orthodontic work later. Phase 1 orthodontics can take many forms such as applying brackets and wires to only the front teeth or treating the smile with devices like palate expanders or space maintainers.
Why Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Necessary?
While the smiles of young children are known for crookedness, gaps, and missing teeth, the early alignment issues of many kids will resolve themselves as their mouths develop. However, some kids will need a little help getting their teeth to straighten out properly so they can enjoy having a beautiful and comfortable smile for life. Your child may need phase 1 orthodontics if:
- The position of their jaw or dental arch must be corrected.
- The jawbone needs help developing enough space for all the teeth.
- The child has alignment issues caused by poor habits like prolonged thumb sucking.
- The teeth are positioned in a way that leaves them especially vulnerable to damage.
- The child has difficulty eating.
In some cases, early orthodontic intervention can allow a child to bypass braces in adolescence. In other cases, a child may require further realignment at a later age, but their orthodontist may be able to address this with a less intensive alternative treatment such as Invisalign.
Only a qualified orthodontist will be able to determine if your child needs phase 1 orthodontic treatment. Bringing your kid into their office for an orthodontic evaluation can set them up for a lifetime with a beautiful and healthy smile.
About the Practice
Wigal Orthodontics helps the people of Columbus, Heath, and Mt. Vernon maintain straight and healthy smiles. Led by Drs. Timothy G. Wigal and Alex Kluemper, the team treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and the finest customer service. Areas of expertise include traditional braces, Invisalign, and phase 1 orthodontics. To book your child’s orthodontic evaluation, contact the office online.