As a parent, you might think seven or eight is too early for braces. After all, isn’t orthodontic treatment for teens and young adults? Actually, there is a specific type of braces for children with a mix of baby and adult teeth called Phase 1 Orthodontics. The best way to find out if your child is a candidate is by scheduling an appointment with their orthodontist. Until then, you can read more about what this treatment entails, what to look out for, and more.
First, What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
In short, Phase 1 Orthodontics is designed to correct misaligned teeth and uneven bites before all of their adult teeth come in. To accomplish this, metal braces, palate expanders, and other orthodontic appliances are used to:
- Correct the position of their jaw.
- Guide the jawbone as it develops to make room for their adult teeth.
- Address unhealthy dental habits, like thumb-sucking.
- Prevent orthodontic issues, like overcrowding.
- Improve biting and chewing.
- Enhance self-esteem.
Who Is a Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
While braces are basically a rite of passage at this point, Phase 1 Orthodontics isn’t ideal for everyone. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for misalignment (like overlapping or spaced-out teeth), an uneven bite, thumb-sucking, and difficulty chewing. If one or more of these arise, then your child may benefit from braces, especially since the position of their teeth plays a crucial role in their ability to chew properly, enunciate clearly, and smile confidently.
When Should I Schedule an Appointment for My Child?
The best time to bring your child in for a visit is around the age of seven. This is ideal because their orthodontist will be able to take a look at their teeth, assess the development of their jaw, and determine if there are any orthodontic issues that need to be treated. From there, they can establish if your child is a candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics and discuss the next best steps with you.
Phase 1 Orthodontics may not get as much attention as traditional braces and Invisalign, but it plays a crucial role in the development of your child’s smile, as well as their bite and speech. So, if they are around the age of seven, then there’s no time like the present to schedule an appointment with their orthodontist!
About the Practice
At Super Braces of Worcester, our goal with every patient is to create a smile that is as healthy as it is beautiful. Whether you’re interested in Phase 1 Orthodontics for your child or image-friendly Invisalign for yourself, you can trust your smile to our phenomenal team. We happily treat patients who are 7, 37, or 67+ because achieving a flawless, functional smile doesn’t have an age. If you want to learn more about orthodontic treatment, have a question about Phase 1 Orthodontics, or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 755-2207.