What Happens during Phase 1 Orthodontics?
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.
Assessment in phase 1 orthodontics
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:
- misaligned teeth
- craniofacial differences
- cleft palate
Common procedures of phase 1 orthodontics
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.
Are you considering phase 1 orthodontics?
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.
Recent Posts
Bringing your child to the pediatric dentist for the first time is a milestone. It is the start of your child’s appreciation for oral care. It is both exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. After all, first impressions matter in cases like this. If you want to know the basic guide to a first…
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist that helps ensure that children are able to keep their baby teeth healthy to avoid any future issues with their permanent teeth. This guide provides information on why baby teeth are important and how to care for them through good oral health.Healthy baby teeth help ensure the proper…
Our pediatric dentist says good oral hygiene for babies starts even before their first tooth erupts. Tooth decay is the most common dental issue that affects children, and acids created by oral bacteria cause it.A child’s first tooth should erupt by the time they are six months old, and it is typically an upper incisor.…
Dental exams from the pediatric dentist are necessary to keep your child's dental health on track. The primary (baby) teeth of your child prepare the way for their permanent teeth. According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see a dentist when their first teeth emerge or…