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The Importance of Phase 1 Orthodontics
Back to school season should begin with your child having the utmost confidence and nothing helps with confidence like a healthy smile. If you think your young child may need orthodontic work to correct crooked teeth or a bad bite, it’s important to have them see an orthodontist as soon as possible, especially if they are nearing the age of 7. If your Louisville orthodontist recommends orthodontic treatment, they may also start talking about Phase 1 orthodontics. So what exactly is Phase 1 and why do so many orthodontists recommend it?
Phase 1 orthodontics is for young children ideally around the ages of 7 and 8 to begin pre-orthodontic work. You can think of it as the priming stage for getting more complex orthodontic work done, like braces. Phase 1 is done around this young age while the jawbones are still developing and can be manipulated. Correctly jaw placement early on can help with several issues including a bad bite and can prevent more invasive procedures from being performed later on in life like jaw surgery. Phase 1 can also help with stopping unhealthy habits like tongue thrusting and thumb sucking that can lead to protruding teeth.
Perhaps the most appealing reason for going through Phase 1 orthodontics is that is can significantly reduce the time that your child needs to wear braces. The process assists children’s teeth in development and creates more space for permanent teeth to come in. It also can help correct the issue of an overbite or underbite, giving braces less work to do.
Phase 1 treatment can involve brackets and wires, retainers, palate expanders, and space maintainers. Your Louisville orthodontist will help assess what treatment will be necessary based on your child’s needs. Treatments like space maintainers may be used as more baby teeth fall out. Phase 1 treatment can take 6 to 18 months for most child patients.
Once Phase 1 treatment has completed, Phase 2 treatment can begin to help move the teeth into their final, permanent position. In some cases though, your child may not need Phase 2 treatment. If your child has bite issues, crowded teeth or missing teeth, consider going through with Phase 2. Talk with your Louisville orthodontist to ask why Phase 2 treatment is preferred by orthodontists.
Phase 1 orthodontics will help your child on their way to a happier and healthier smile. Speak with your child’s orthodontist today and learn more about why many orthodontists recommend interceptive care like Phase 1 orthodontics.
At White, Greer, and Maggard Orthodontics, we will gladly answer any further questions you may have about Phase 1 treatment for your child. In addition to Phase 1, we offer Phase 2 orthodontics for children and also adults who may need braces. If you are considering orthodontic treatment for your child, please schedule an appointment with us today! We will help you feel comfortable and confident about the process. We have offices in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as other convenient locations throughout the commonwealth.