Phase 1 Orthodontics – Prosper & Frisco, TX
Early Intervention for Smiles in Need
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist before the age of 7. At Buchwald Orthodontics in Frisco and Prosper, we are passionate about making sure children are seen at this time to assess any possible issues early enough and prevent a negative impact on their permanent teeth. In some cases, phase 1 orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is necessary. If that is true of your child, our team will answer your questions and make sure you understand the road ahead.
Why Choose Buchwald Orthodontics for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
- Board-Certified Orthodontist
- Two Convenient Locations in Frisco & Prosper
- Caring & Empathetic Dental Team
How Phase 1 Orthodontics Works
Most young children do NOT require Phase 1 treatment. However, Dr. Buchwald still recommends an initial evaluation around the age of 7 so that we can determine if and when treatment may be necessary.
If your child needs treatment, it should start when they are in the 6 – 9 age range. This is when most children are starting to lose their baby teeth. Treatment at this time can promote proper and healthy development of the incoming adult teeth.
Phase 1 orthodontics can last 6 – 18 months and may involve the use of various appliances, such as headgear, limited braces, space maintainers, and palate expanders. These guide how the oral structures are developing and can reduce the need for additional orthodontic intervention later in life.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
To find out for sure if your child needs phase 1 care, visit our team for a consultation. In the meantime, you might gain a general idea of their orthodontic health by looking for the common following signs that treatment might be required:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age 5 and should have all permanent teeth around age 13).
- Crowded front teeth around age 7 or 8.
- Bite problems, such as a noticeable overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
- Protruding teeth (the top and bottom teeth extend away from each other).
- Teeth that do not come together in a normal manner or even at all.
- Difficulty chewing and/or biting.
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use after age 3 or 4.
- Mouth breathing.
- Speech impediments.
The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
In the early years, children’s jaws are growing rapidly, and the bones of the jaws are not yet fused together. This makes it much easier to correct a patient’s jaw size or a tooth positioning problem. Also, the results are more likely to be stable when corrected at a young age. As a result, phase 1 treatment can greatly decreases the need to extract permanent teeth as a teenager or the need for jaw surgery as an adult.
When teeth are not in the correct position at a young age, it is more likely that irreversible damage will occur, such as chipping/fractures and gum recession. An added benefit of phase 1 treatment that is often overlooked is the improved self-esteem that comes along with correcting the position of the front teeth during these formative years.
Should your child need phase 1 treatment, Dr. Buchwald will discuss in greater detail the individual benefits that your child may gain.
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Painful?
When your child is receiving Phase 1 Orthodontics, you can expect that the placement process will be completely painless. However, initial discomfort after the appliance is put in place is normal. While it is only temporary, an over-the-counter pain reliever and cold compress can help alleviate the pain – this process will likely continue until your child’s mouth adjusts to the appliance.
An important thing to remember and to remind your child is that without treatment, they may suffer more pain over time. Although it may not feel comfortable initially, the results of treatment will prove beneficial and worthwhile.
What Changes Should My Child Make While Wearing Braces?
There are a few things your child should plan to avoid as well as commit to while wearing braces. Not only will they need to stay away from hard, crunchy, and sticky foods, but they’ll also want to keep orthodontic wax on hand. The reason is that brackets can irritate their soft tissues (i.e., the gums, lips, tongue, and cheeks) because they protrude. Applying wax over the brackets creates a comfortable barrier and protects these tissues from further harm.
It is also important for your child to develop a rigorous oral hygiene routine at home that includes brushing and flossing after every meal as well as rinsing thoroughly to remove any food particles. This minimizes the potential accumulation of bacteria on teeth and around brackets and wires.
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Worth the Cost?
Yes, you can expect that Phase 1 Orthodontics will be worth the cost. When recommended early on, this type of treatment can lower the chances of your child needing Phase 2 Orthodontics later on. Without timely care, the potential for more invasive surgery increases. This can be an unfortunate reality, especially if it is a problem that can be easily treated with Phase 1 Orthodontics.
Also, Phase 2 Orthodontics can be more expensive (by 25%) than Phase 1 treatment. Knowing whether your child should move forward with Phase 1 requires meeting with our team and discussing the details of treatment. Based on your child’s case, we can better identify how much we expect it to cost and if it will be beneficial for your child’s oral health.
Can a Child’s Bite Issues Get Better on Their Own?
Unfortunately, no; in fact, the longer your child waits to undergo treatment, the greater the risk that their orthodontic problem will worsen. Correcting a few crooked teeth early on is much easier than trying to realign those that have grown and pushed nearby teeth out of the way.
Also, orthodontic intervention while your child is still young is likely to be more comfortable than if they wait until they’re older. The reason is that a child’s teeth are not yet fully anchored to their jaws, making it easier for them to move. The roof of their mouth is also not as hard, so treatment can be easier than if they are an older adolescent or adult.