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.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
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.
Indications for Phase 1 Orthodontics
Here are some signs that your child might benefit from phase 1 orthodontic care:
- They have noticeable dental misalignment. You might notice that your child has a crossbite, open bite, or underbite. Or, you might observe that their teeth are very crowded or have unusually large gaps between them.
- They engaged in thumb-sucking or pacifier use for a prolonged period of time. These non-nutritive habits can cause orthodontic problems if they extend beyond the time when a child turns 3 or 4 years old.
- They have functional problems with their mouth or upper airway. Some children who require phase 1 orthodontic care find it difficult to eat, bite, and chew. They may also have speech challenges. Breathing problems, such as snoring or perpetual mouth breathing, may occur as well.
When to Get Your Child Evaluated
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’s oral development is going well, and no treatment is likely to be necessary.
- Future treatment may be required.
- There are immediate problems that could benefit from phase 1 orthodontic care.
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.