Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics – Atlanta, GA
Taking the First Steps Towards a Better Smile
Around the age of 7, most of your child’s baby teeth should have erupted. We highly recommend that you set up a consultation at Buckhead Orthodontics around this time so that Dr. Everson can check how your little one’s teeth, jaw, and face are developing. If any issues are found, we can intervene with Phase 1 pediatric orthodontics in our Atlanta, GA orthodontic office. The goal of this treatment is to correct problems early in your child’s oral development so that future orthodontic issues aren’t as severe.
Why Choose Buckhead Orthodontics
for Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics?
- Fully Personalized Orthodontic Solutions
-
State of the Art
Boutique Orthodontic Office - ABO Certified Orthodontist
When Phase 1 Treatment is Needed
Signs that your child might benefit from Phase 1 orthodontics include:
- Notably crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
- Teeth that don’t come together properly
- Protruding front teeth
- Thumb sucking past age 3 that interferes with the teeth
- Problems with speaking or breathing
- A jaw that is not in proportion to the rest of the head
Even if there are no major orthodontic issues at the moment, they might still benefit from Phase 1 treatment. After all, their jaws are still developing, and early intervention could prevent issues from occurring while their mouth is growing.
What Treatments Make Up Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Appliances may be used to help guide the development of a child’s jaw. A limited phase of braces and space maintainers can ensure that the permanent teeth will be able to erupt properly later. Other treatments may be used depending on the circumstances; it all depends on what we find during the initial consultation and what we determine your child’s oral health needs to be.
Phase 1 Treatment Goals
If a moderate to severe orthodontic problem is found early, Phase I treatment can be used to reduce or eliminate it before the permanent teeth have erupted. Having Phase I treatment done now can reduce the amount of time your child will need to wear braces later (and cut down the amount you’ll need to pay for orthodontic treatment in the future). Usually, this treatment will last between 9 to 18 months, and we’ll be sure to keep an eye on your child’s mouth afterward while waiting for their permanent teeth to erupt; that way, we’ll know if and when we need to move on to Phase II (traditional braces).
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
What Issues Can Phase 1 Orthodontics Address?
Phase 1 Orthodontics can resolve many tooth and jaw problems in their early stages. In many cases, it can address extreme crowding, spacing, tooth protrusion, and early or late loss of the primary teeth, and it can also resolve orthodontic issues like overbites, underbites, open bites and crossbites. Dr. Everson may also use Phase 1 treatments to create or maintain space in the patient’s mouth so the permanent teeth can be more easily guided into proper alignment as they erupt.
What Appliances Are Used in Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Phase 1 orthodontic treatments are usually simpler than realignment methods for older patients, so the appliances used are typically less complicated. If your child has overcrowded teeth, Dr. Everson may recommend using a palate expander to widen their upper jaw. If your kid loses a baby tooth too early, we may place a space maintainer to help the permanent tooth emerge properly. Some kids with severe alignment issues may need limited braces that treat only a few teeth, and they may have to wear aligners to maintain their results afterward. In some cases, a patient may benefit from wearing a Herbst appliance that can correct jaw imbalances and improve a child’s bite.
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Painful?
Dr. Everson will ensure that the placement of orthodontic appliances is a smooth and painless process, but your child may experience some discomfort after receiving their device. While this problem should be temporary since your kid’s mouth will adapt to the appliance quickly, you can relieve their discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. A child who doesn’t receive a necessary orthodontic treatment may be set up to experience much pain and frustration in the future, so phase 1 treatments can be an excellent investment in your kid’s health and comfort in the long run.
How Long Does Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment Last?
We’ll be happy to provide you with a detailed outline of your child’s treatment timeframe after we evaluate their misalignment during their consultation. Most phase 1 orthodontic treatments from our Atlanta office take between nine and twelve months, but the exact timeframe depends on the needs of the particular patient. While factors like the severity of the misalignment and the appliances needed can significantly impact how long the treatment lasts, your child can help keep their realignment process smooth and complication free by adhering to Dr. Everson’s instructions. After the phase 1 orthodontic process is complete, your child may also need to wear a retainer to preserve their results. We’ll also carefully monitor the growth and development of their mouth until they are ready for more realignment work if necessary.