In phase 1 orthodontics, orthodontists treat patients between the ages of six and nine. Those patients have mixed dentition. This means patients have a mix of permanent teeth and deciduous or baby teeth. Phase 1 orthodontics addresses problems in the mixed dentition period. These are things that can result in severe overcrowding and unhealthy tooth wear. Many patients also struggle with proper dental hygiene and may worry about others teasing them.
This is an effective preventive line of care. But, not every child will benefit from phase 1 orthodontics. The orthodontist will assess the patient’s potential needs. Then the pediatric orthodontist can take proactive measures to create a better outcome. Children need these preventive methods for many reasons, including:
There are many reasons why a patient will need phase 1 orthodontics. But, for many of these conditions, the treatments are similar. Overcrowding — when there is not enough jaw space for the number of teeth — can cause teeth to turn or grow out misaligned. This is a common occurrence in pediatric orthodontics. In children, the jaw is sometimes too small for the number and size of teeth that are present. Permanent teeth that erupt that are much larger than deciduous teeth can also create the conditions for overcrowding. Dentists treat the issue of overcrowding in different ways, depending on the patient.
Tooth extraction involves identifying and removing teeth. These teeth may be deciduous or permanent. Their removal can create space for existing teeth or for teeth that have not yet erupted. Sometimes, a tooth is preventing a needed tooth from erupting. An orthodontist may extract one or more teeth. That way, the remaining teeth can be guided into alignment.
Orthodontists may use headgear and braces in a limited way. These tools will begin to move the teeth into alignment once the orthodontist has created space. Patients often still have a mix of teeth. So, the orthodontist places these braces only on certain teeth. Patients can get braces during phase 1 orthodontics even if they do not have any teeth extracted. Orthodontists often decide on installing braces and headgear if the patient can cooperate.
Spacers and expansion appliances hold space in the mouth after the orthodontist extracts a tooth or teeth. Spacers keep teeth from migrating into the space. Teeth that have not erupted yet are then more likely to erupt on their own without any surgical help. Once they have erupted in adolescence, the orthodontist may need to take further corrective action, but not always. The orthodontist will remove the spacer or expansion appliance when there is evidence the tooth is erupting. The orthodontist will also take them out if they must surgically expose the tooth.
Phase 1 orthodontics can help patients prevent serious dental issues and improve appearance. It leads to a healthier long-term outcome with less surgical intervention. Orthodontists hope to avoid more intensive oral therapies and surgeries later on. The orthodontist can explore the options with the patient’s caregivers to decide on a plan of care.
Are you considering phase 1 orthodontics in the Reston area? Get more information at https://www.orthodonticprecision.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Phase 1 Orthodontics in Reston, VA.
If your child is concerned about crooked teeth or a bad bite, you may want to consider Invisalign® for teens. This is an alternative to metal or ceramic braces that has numerous benefits, especially for those who are self-conscious about their appearance. There are various reasons why Invisalign may be the right choice, but not…
As a child's mouth and teeth develop throughout their teenage years, it may become apparent that their teeth have misalignment or spacing problems. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of the results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of…
Many families with adolescents needing straighter smiles opt for Invisalign® for teens over traditional braces. Braces use wires and frequent adjustments to straighten each tooth. Invisalign clear aligners straighten all the teeth simultaneously, with the patient switching out one set of aligner trays for the next one in the series every two weeks. These aligners…
The teenage years can be awkward, especially for those who have to deal with crooked teeth. Invisalign® presents an alternative to braces for teens. These clear aligners can have the same corrective impact as other treatments with less physical and social discomfort. This article will explore how clear aligners can correct an improper bite.Teenagers may…
If your child is concerned about crooked teeth or a bad bite, you may want to consider Invisalign® for teens. This is an alternative to metal or ceramic braces that has numerous benefits, especially for those who are self-conscious about their appearance. There are various reasons why Invisalign may be the right choice, but not…
As a child's mouth and teeth develop throughout their teenage years, it may become apparent that their teeth have misalignment or spacing problems. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of the results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of…