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Early intervention for better results
Phase 1 Orthodontics
At Molly Hottenstein Orthodontics, your child will always get the best possible care to restore their bite and straighten their smile. And if your child has serious orthodontic problems in Wyomissing, it’s important to begin the treatment process right away.
That’s where phase 1 orthodontics comes in. Kids as young as 6-7 years old can start getting care from Dr. Hottenstein, which helps improve their overall oral health and well-being. Learn more below, or contact us for an orthodontic consultation now!
understanding the basics
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
As the name suggests, this type of orthodontic intervention is usually done as the first phase of a long-term treatment plan. Traditional orthodontic treatments like braces are “phase 2” treatments, and are usually done at the age of 12-13, when your child has most or all of their adult teeth.
Phase 1 orthodontics starts much earlier. Usually, your child will get phase 1 orthodontic treatment between the age of 6-9 years old. Typically, it’s only necessary when an orthodontic consultation has revealed serious problems with your child’s teeth alignment or bite.
There are many different treatments that may be required during this phase of orthodontic treatment. Palate expanders may be used to help your child’s mouth grow and accommodate their teeth, headgear may be used to reposition the jaws, or functional appliances may be applied to help correct their bite position.
Each phase 1 orthodontic treatment with our Wyomissing children orthodontist is unique, and customized for your child’s specific needs.
Recognizing The Signs
That Your Child Needs Early Intervention
There are a number of indicators that you can look for to determine if your child may need early orthodontic intervention with phase 1 orthodontics. Common indicators that your child may require treatment include:
- Gapped, crowded, or crooked teeth
- Teeth that are protruding at an angle
- Teeth that do not come together correctly
- Habits that can affect dental development, like thumb sucking, reverse swallowing, or tongue thrusting
- Speech impediments or issues speaking or forming sounds correctly
- A small, non-proportional jaw
- Problems breathing comfortably or frequent mouth breathing
If you recognize any of the above issues, it may be a good idea to have your child’s mouth examined at Molly Hottenstein Orthodontics. Dr. Hottenstein can determine if your child needs early treatment, and provide them with the care they need for a healthy mouth.
The Benefits Of Early Intervention
With Phase 1 Orthodontics
The biggest benefit of phase 1 orthodontics is that it reduces the need for orthodontics later in your child’s life. When your child is very young and does not yet have all of their adult teeth, it’s much easier to adjust their bite, expand their palate, and correct the position of their teeth.
This means that when your child’s permanent teeth begin to emerge, they will be much straighter and in a healthier position. Your child may need Invisalign or braces in the future, but their treatment will usually be much faster than it would be if they had not gotten early orthodontic intervention.
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