UNDERSTANDING PHASE 1 ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Orthodontic treatment is often associated with teenagers and braces, but in many cases, early intervention can be beneficial. This is where Phase 1 orthodontic treatment comes into play. Phase 1 treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, focuses on addressing developmental issues in younger children, typically between the ages of 6 and 10. It aims to correct dental problems early, before they evolve into more serious concerns.
What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?
Phase 1 treatment is an early orthodontic intervention designed to guide the growth and development of a child’s jaw and teeth. The primary objective of Phase 1 is not necessarily to straighten all the teeth, but to address underlying structural problems that could complicate future orthodontic work.
Signs Your Child May Need Phase 1 Treatment
Not all children need Phase 1 treatment, so it’s important to know what signs to look for. Some indicators that your child may benefit from early orthodontic intervention include:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth: If baby teeth fall out too soon or stay in too long, it may disrupt the eruption pattern of permanent teeth.
- Difficulty chewing or biting: This could indicate a problem with the bite.
- Mouth breathing: Chronic mouth breathing may signal an issue with jaw development.
- Speech impediments: Misaligned teeth or jaw issues can cause difficulty with speech.
- Thumb-sucking: If thumb-sucking persists beyond the age of 5, it can cause misalignment of teeth and affect jaw growth.
- Crowded, misaligned, or blocked-out teeth: Teeth that are coming in crooked or overlapping may indicate a need for early intervention.
What Does Phase 1 Treatment Involve?
Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 9-18 months and may include the use of specialized orthodontic appliances. These appliances can be fixed, like partial braces, or removable, like expanders or retainers. The specific treatment plan is tailored to the child’s needs and may include:
- Expanders: Used to widen the upper jaw to correct crossbites or create space for crowded teeth.
- Partial Braces: Applied to specific teeth to guide their positioning.
Space Maintainers: Preserve the gap left by a prematurely lost baby tooth to allow proper eruption of permanent teeth
- Functional Appliances: Help guide the growth of the jaw to improve bite and alignment.
What Happens After Phase 1?
Once Phase 1 treatment is complete, the child will enter a resting period where the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. During this phase, periodic check-ups are necessary to monitor progress. Phase 2, or comprehensive orthodontic treatment, typically begins once all the permanent teeth have come in, usually between the ages of 11 and 13.
