Most people associate orthodontic treatments, like braces, with the teenage years. After all, that’s when most kids begin! However, many parents are surprised to learn that orthodontic care can, and oftentimes should, start much earlier in life. In fact, even children with baby teeth may need a special type of braces called Phase 1 Orthodontics! Read on to learn more about this unique service and how to tell if it’s right for your little one.
Your Child’s Orthodontic Checkup
The road to a straighter, healthier smile starts pretty early in life. The American Association of Orthodontists and other well-known associations recommend that children get their first checkup with an orthodontist by the time they turn seven. At this point in your little one’s life, it’s very likely that they will still have some baby teeth alongside their permanent adult teeth. There will also be plenty of information your orthodontist can gather about how your child’s mouth and teeth are developing.
Once they’ve had a chance to evaluate their jaws, teeth, and other oral structures with X-rays, your orthodontist will be able to predict what sort of alignment issues your child may face in the future. Then, depending on their findings, they’ll recommend a plan for addressing these issues at the proper time. While many children will be instructed to wait until all their permanent teeth have come in to begin treatment, some cases need to be treated sooner in order to avoid complications. This is where Phase 1 Orthodontics comes in!
How Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Work?
Phase 1 Orthodontics, or pediatric braces, is a special treatment designed to begin correcting orthodontic issues while the patient still has some of their baby teeth. Since a child’s mouth, teeth, and jaws are still developing at this stage of life, they’re somewhat easier to reposition and guide into the correct alignment. Phase 1 Orthodontics can include a variety of different treatments depending on what your child needs. There are numerous appliances, retainers, and other methods that can help realign bite issues, maintain the proper shape of the mouth, curb nonnutritive habits that can influence tooth development, and more.
How To Tell If Phase 1 Orthodontics Is Right For Your Child
The best way to know for sure if your child can benefit from Phase 1 Orthodontics is to take them to see an orthodontist. However, there are a few signs you can keep a lookout for at home that could indicate your child may need braces for their baby teeth. These include:
- Teeth that noticeably stick out, overlap, or have space between them
- Thumb sucking past the age of five
- Difficulty chewing or eating very slowly
- Accidentally biting the inside of their cheeks or lips
If you’re concerned that your child may need braces even though they still have some baby teeth, it’s time to talk to your orthodontist about pediatric braces. Not only will early treatment help keep your little one’s smile safe as it grows, but it can help shorten the length of any orthodontic treatment needed in the future!
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics, Worcester, our team is committed to helping patients of all ages achieve happy, healthy, and beautifully straightened smiles. From Invisalign for teens, to traditional braces for adults, to Phase 1 Orthodontics for kids, we are proud to offer a variety of specialized services for every stage of life. To schedule your child’s orthodontic checkup or to discover if pediatric braces are right for them, don’t hesitate to contact us online or at (508) 757-3173.