Phase 1 Orthodontics—DeSoto, TX
Did you know that every child should receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven? That’s because at this point, most children have started losing their baby teeth, and this crucial period of development sets the stage for how straight (or crooked) their permanent teeth will erupt. If you or our team at Amaze Dental spot common issues like crookedness, crowding, or a misaligned bite, we can fix them right away with Phase 1 Orthodontics in DeSoto. This straightforward treatment is proven to reduce a child’s overall need for orthodontics while improving their oral health and appearance at the same time.
Why Choose Amaze Dental for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
- Plenty of Experience Working with Children
- Proven to Shorten Overall Treatment Time
- Can Help Children Sleep Better
What is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
You’re probably familiar with Phase 2 Orthodontics, which primarily involves using braces or clear aligners to straighten the adult teeth. But what is Phase 1 Orthodontics? This is a treatment recommended for children aged 7-11 years old who are already showing signs of alignment problems. Using one or more custom-made appliances that your child may need to wear during the day or just to bed, this treatment can:
- Straighten crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
- Create room for the adult teeth to come in
- Fix teeth that obviously stick out
- Correct speech issues stemming from the teeth
- Help a child stop biting the inside of their cheek accidentally
- Make it easier for a child to stop sucking their thumb or finger
- Encourage the upper and lower jaw to develop at the same rate
- Increase the size of the upper airway to stop snoring
Why is Phase 1 Orthodontics Important?
At this point, many parents ask, “Why don’t I just wait and get braces for my child?” The problem with waiting for most or all of a child’s permanent teeth to come in before starting orthodontic care is that this can allow relatively minor problems to become more complex, requiring more time, effort, and expense to correct.
Phase 1 Orthodontics enables us to get ahead of future issues by reducing them or preventing them altogether. Even better, it allows a child to benefit from a more functional and beautiful smile at an earlier age, which can do wonders for both their mental and physical health. Plus, this two-phase approach has been proven to shorten a child’s overall treatment time!
What Happens After Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Phase 1 Orthodontic treatment is usually applied for about a year, and after that, we wait! This gives the child’s permanent teeth time to come in, and then we might recommend using more familiar methods like braces or Invisalign to correct any lingering issues. They will require a much shorter and more comfortable treatment compared to if they just started with braces, meaning you’ll both be able to enjoy their perfectly straight smile as soon as possible!
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
Crooked teeth and misaligned bites are more than just aesthetic issues – they can hinder proper chewing and even affect speech clarity. This makes braces not just a cosmetic investment, but one that supports your child's overall well-being and confidence. But what if your child hasn't lost all their baby teeth? Do they have to wait until a certain age for braces? Thanks to Phase 1 Orthodontics, the answer is a resounding "no." Below, you can learn more about this solution by reading our answers to some frequently asked questions!
What Issues Can Phase 1 Orthodontics Address?
Phase 1 orthodontics can effectively address many early-stage tooth and jaw issues. This includes extreme crowding, gaps between teeth, tooth protrusion, as well as early or delayed loss of primary teeth. Additionally, orthodontics can successfully tackle jaw complications such as overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites. By using orthodontic treatments, our team can strategically create space within a patient's mouth, guiding the development and proper alignment of permanent teeth.
What Appliances Are Used in Phase 1 Orthodontics?
In Phase 1 orthodontics, the appliances used are designed to address simpler issues compared to later phases. These include:
- Palate expander – Employed for overcrowded teeth, it widens the upper jaw to create more space.
- Space maintainer – When a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, this device preserves the gap until the permanent tooth arrives.
- Limited braces – Reserved for severe tooth problems, they target specific teeth as a child's jaw and teeth are still developing.
- Retainer – Following Phase 1 braces, this ensures teeth continue to align properly.
- Herbst appliance – Using steel crowns on molars, it corrects jaw imbalances and enhances a child's bite.
Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Affect Diet & Nutrition?
Phase 1 orthodontics can influence diet and nutrition depending on the type of appliance used. If the patient has a removable device, they can continue to eat as usual. However, for those with a palate expander or braces, it's advisable to avoid hard foods like nuts, steak, and raw vegetables. Opting for softer options such as bread, dairy, soft meats, and cooked vegetables is recommended to prevent discomfort or hindered treatment progress. Following these dietary guidelines ensures the best outcome during Phase 1 orthodontic treatment.
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Safe?
Yes, Phase 1 orthodontics is generally very safe. It rarely causes any issues for a child's teeth or gums. The process of applying braces is painless and doesn't harm enamel. However, some appliances may make cleaning teeth more challenging. If not handled with care, this could lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Despite these considerations, the benefits of Phase 1 orthodontic treatments for oral health typically outweigh any potential risks. This is especially true when leaving an oral issue untreated poses a greater risk.