Early Childhood Orthodontics: Phase I

Braces used to be the realm of teenagers only, a rite of passage starting at about age 12. But today, early orthodontic intervention is a vital tool for catching problems with the jaw, face, and teeth before they become more severe. Not only that, but early childhood orthodontics, also known as phase 1 orthdontics, allow teens to spend less time in braces, which helps enhance their self-esteem.

Here are a few conditions that may warrant early childhood orthodontics: 

  • Severe crowding of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or eating
  • Severe crossbite, overbite, or underbite
  • Missing baby teeth or wide spaces between teeth
  • Symmetry or proportion problems with jaw, teeth, and face

How Early Childhood Orthodontics Work

When your child is about seven years old, schedule an orthodontic consultation to determine whether your child would benefit from early orthodontics. Your child’s jaw, facial profile, and teeth will be evaluated for symmetry, overcrowding, bite issues, teeth alignment, and other issues. If your child is a good candidate, he or she can begin phase 1 of orthodontic treatment at around age eight to correct problems before they are more severe. Your child will then be re-evaluated for phase II orthodontic treatment after all permanent teeth present.

Orthodontists use a variety of tools in early orthodontic treatment, including both removable and non-removable oral appliances. Your child may have space maintainers, palatal expanders, aligners, or braces, depending on their individual needs.

Benefits of Early Childhood Orthodontics

Every parent wants what’s best for their child’s health, teeth, and appearance, and sometimes that means earlier orthodontic treatment.

Known as interceptive phase I treatment, braces for children ages seven to ten can serve a wide variety of important purposes, including:

  • Prevents overcrowding of permanent teeth. If baby teeth are not leaving enough room for permanent teeth, tooth extraction or a lengthy orthodontics treatment may be necessary in the teenage years. Since most children lose all their baby teeth by age 12, taking advantage of this time period is an effective way to ensure that permanent teeth aren’t overcrowded.
  • Improves facial and jaw symmetry. Correcting misaligned teeth can greatly improve a child’s jaw/facial profile and bite before the teen years.
  • Fixes bite problems early. If not caught early, overbites, underbites, and open bites may worsen over time. To prevent these conditions from worsening, your orthodontist can manipulate the jaw structure while it is malleable. 
  • Corrects problems with speaking, chewing, or eating. Misaligned teeth can prevent children from enunciating words clearly, which can impact their performance and confidence in school.
  • Reduces time in braces in teenage years. 

Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Severs Today

Interested in learning more about early childhood orthodontics? Call our office today to learn more about how we can help your child get an early start on a healthy, beautiful smile.