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According to data from the American Orthodontic Association an estimated 80% of children have some type of malocclusion or dental alignment issues. While many of those patients already have most of their permanent teeth, a large portion are younger; they may have a mix of permanent and primary teeth. They are undergoing what is commonly known as phase 1 orthodontics. What is phase 1 orthodontics, and how can you tell if your child needs it? This blog post explains.
Phase 1 orthodontics is also known as interceptive orthodontics. It uses braces, space maintainers, palatal expanders, and a variety of other accessories to guide the growth of a child’s jaws and teeth. It can reduce or eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment. Treatment usually starts when a child is 6 – 9 years old.
Here are some signs that your child might benefit from phase 1 orthodontic care:
All children should undergo an orthodontic evaluation by the time they turn 7 years old. That is true even of kids who seem to have excellent oral health.
During this evaluation, your child’s orthodontist will perform a visual exam and take a set of X-rays. Based on what they learn, they may tell you one of three things:
Your child has a precious smile, and they deserve for it to be healthy! A qualified orthodontist can let you know whether they need phase 1 care and what you can expect from the treatment process.
Meet Dr. Hall
Dr. Tom Hall has been practicing orthodontics for more than 25 years. He has extensive skill in many areas of his profession, including phase 1 pediatric treatment. If it is time for your child’s first orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Hall and our team would be pleased to serve your family. Contact us at 713-589-7996.