Every parent wants their child’s teeth to remain healthy, strong, and aligned. Although this may not be a problem for some, others often need help to attain this type of smile. When baby teeth appear too far apart, are protruding, or your child’s bite is “off,” it may be time to consider braces or Phase 1 Orthodontics. Keep reading to learn more about this unique method of treatment, how it works, and how it can benefit your child’s developing smile.
What is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Phase 1 Orthodontic is a form of treatment that focuses on addressing a single issue related to your child’s smile. This can include a serious bite problem (i.e., crossbite, open bite, underbite, overbite) or gapped teeth, protruding upper teeth, overcrowding, and issues related to non-nutrient habits (i.e., thumb-sucking) practiced as an infant or toddler.
As a proactive approach, it allows an orthodontist to identify early problems and provide effective solutions that help minimize the need or amount of time your child will spend in braces (Phase 2 Orthodontics) later on.
Why is It Necessary?
You and your child will meet with the orthodontist to discuss the potential need for Phase 1 Orthodontics. If after an examination they suggest early braces for your little one, you may wonder why it’s necessary if their baby teeth are meant to fall out anyway.
The reality is that your child’s primary teeth set the stage for the eruption of their permanent ones. If they remain healthy and in proper alignment, there is a greater chance that adult teeth will move into place without incident.
The sooner Phase 1 Orthodontics can be administered, the more likely your child will avoid lengthy and costly treatment in the future.
What Are Its Benefits?
Choosing to address your child’s dental issues even while they still have their baby teeth can provide many benefits, some of which include:
- A more functional and fluid bite
- Greater confidence for your little one, which can be integral when surrounded by their peers
- Being able to eat and chew foods correctly
- Better oral health because they’ll be able to clean their teeth and gums more thoroughly
- Minimizing the amount of time they might need to spend wearing braces as they get older
- Improving their ability to breathe while asleep
- The possibility of avoiding tooth extraction in the future
- Create space for overcrowded teeth, and close gaps where too much space exists
Having your child wear braces while they still have their baby teeth can be one of the best decisions you make as their parent. Not only will it give them a healthier smile, but they’ll also enjoy the boosted confidence a more perfectly aligned smile can provide.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Everson is a board-certified orthodontist with more than 15 years of experience helping patients live with straighter smiles. Offering Phase 1 Orthodontics, he and the team at Buckhead Orthodontics can address early misalignment problems and other similar tooth problems, minimizing the chances of children needing more advanced care in the future. If your little one’s smile could use some help, contact us via our website or call (404) 697-7497 to schedule an appointment.