What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Phase 1 orthodontics typically starts around the ages of six to nine. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing children in for a bite evaluation no later than their seventh birthday. At this point, their bites should be developed enough to identify potential problems, and the soft structures of their facial structures are easier to mold.

Understanding phase 1 orthodontics

Phase 1 orthodontics focuses on addressing orthodontic issues before they turn into more severe problems later in a child’s life. It gives the orthodontist a chance to address issues like abnormalities in the patient’s jaw structures or insufficient space for all of their permanent teeth.

Some of the benefits of getting children early orthodontic treatments include:

  • It improves the appearance of the child’s teeth which helps to protect them against bullies
  • It can help to correct bad habits like thumb sucking
  • It typically leads to shorter treatments with corrective oral appliances like braces
  • It helps with speech development
  • It ensures there is enough space on the child’s jaw for all of their permanent teeth
  • Reduces the chances of developing impacted teeth

Orthodontic appliances like braces are typically used to help fix bite issues. Treatment times are unique for each patient, but they are typically anywhere from nine to twelve months. Adults who need orthodontic treatments often have to wear their appliances for somewhere between 12 to 36 months. At this point, their facial structures have hardened, making it harder to mold them.

Some of the oral appliances an orthodontist might recommend to help correct a child’s bite issues include:

  • Headgear: These are used to correct a child’s bite, and to promote proper jaw growth and alignment. They are typically recommended when a child’s bite is severely misaligned. The appliance is worn partially out of the mouth for about 12 hours daily
  • Braces: Phase 1 orthodontics might include a limited phase of braces on specific teeth. Braces are one of the oldest oral appliances used to straighten teeth, and they work by applying a gentle pushing force on the patient’s teeth. They are made of brackets and wires that are attached to the patient’s teeth. The wires are adjusted periodically to increase or decrease the forces applied to the child’s teeth
  • Retainers: These appliances are used to keep a child’s teeth properly aligned after orthodontic treatments. Retainers can also be used to fix minor orthodontic issues. How long a child needs to wear retainers varies based on the severity of the orthodontic issue treated
  • Space maintainers: These devices are used to keep the space left by a lost baby tooth. Baby teeth guide the permanent teeth behind them and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting towards the space. Covering the space with a maintainer helps to stop this from happening

Protect your child’s bite

Spotting orthodontic issues early on helps to prevent them from turning into more severe issues later on. Call or stop by our San Antonio to set up an appointment with our orthodontist so your child’s bite can be examined.

Request an appointment here: https://www.ucsmilesortho.com or call UC Smiles Orthodontics at (210) 672-1054 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Phase 1 Orthodontics in San Antonio, TX.

Related Posts

How An Orthodontist Corrects Jaw Position

An orthodontist strikes a balance between the least intrusive and the most effective treatments. For jaw misalignment, treatment almost always requires a combination of different measures. Here is what you need to know about how an orthodontist corrects this particular orthodontic problem.The nature and severity of orthodontic problems vary from person to person. Some people…

How To Care For Ceramic Braces

Wondering if ceramic braces are the right teeth straightening option for you? There are a few different types of braces available nowadays. While traditional metal braces are a common choice amongst teenagers, the majority of adults are looking for a more discreet option. Especially adults who find themselves in a position in which they need…

Teeth Straightening With Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a popular way to address orthodontic issues, such as crooked or crowding teeth. Over the years, the technology behind clear aligners has greatly improved, which has created competition when it comes to choosing aligners over the traditional route of metal braces. When having the teeth straightened with clear aligners, the entire process…

How A Prosthodontist Can Enhance Your Oral Health With A Smile Makeover

Considering a smile makeover? Read on to learn more about the procedures that fall under this term. Smile makeovers are quickly becoming one of the most desired dental procedures. The process covers different treatments aimed at improving the smile’s appearance. Prosthodontists have the training and required skills to perform teeth replacement and restoration, which can…

UC Smiles Orthodontics

Share
Published by
UC Smiles Orthodontics

Recent Posts

How an Orthodontist Corrects Jaw Position

For jaw misalignment, treatment almost always requires a combination of different measures. Here is what…

2 weeks ago

How to Care for Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are the same as traditional braces except for the fact that the brackets…

1 month ago

Teeth Straightening with Clear Aligners

When having the teeth straightened with clear aligners, the entire process is much different than…

3 months ago

How a Prosthodontist Can Enhance Your Oral Health With a Smile Makeover

When there is a missing tooth, dental bridges, and implants are great choices to consider.

3 months ago

How To Select the Right Orthodontist Near Me

When it comes to orthodontics, providers often have different service offerings.

5 months ago

Achieve Your Dream Smile With Expert Teeth Straightening Services

Expert teeth straightening services can help you achieve your dream smile by bringing your teeth…

5 months ago