Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics – Atlanta, GA
The Foundation of a Dazzling, Healthy Smile
Most children who receive braces do so between the ages of 10 and 14, around the time when most of their permanent teeth have erupted and the jaw is mostly stable. However, at Duo Orthodontics, we actually recommend that you bring your little one in for their first orthodontic appointment around the age of 7 or 8. By scheduling a visit so early on, give us the chance to identify potential growth or development issues that are best managed early in life, and when needed, consider Phase 1 pediatric orthodontic treatment to treat them and prevent others.
Why Choose Duo Ortho for
Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics?
- Team That Speaks Three Different Languages
- A Focus on Quick and Pragmatic Solutions
- Tons of Experience Treating Younger Patients
Why is Phase 1 Treatment Needed?
Phase 1 orthodontics usually focuses on preventing overcrowding, misalignment, bite problems, and other common orthodontic issues from developing in the first place. Addressing these problems early reduces the need for more complex orthodontic treatments later. We can also use Phase 1 treatments to make sure that there’s enough room for permanent teeth to erupt in the future, and we can observe the growth patterns of your child’s jaw in order to better prepare for future intervention.
What Sort of Treatments Make Up This Plan?
A Phase 1 treatment plan usually lasts between 9 and 12 months. It might involve wearing braces, but the treatment time will obviously be much shorter compared to traditional orthodontics. Depending on the adjustments needed, headgear or another type of orthodontic appliance might be used. Specialized retainers and space maintainers might be employed as well, but we can only give you a more specific plan after a thorough examination and consideration of your child’s circumstances.
Typical Phase 1 Treatment Goals
- Resolve issues that can stop the jaws from growing and developing correctly.
- Address the early or late loss of baby teeth so that the permanent teeth can erupt normally.
- Identify and intercept when significant jaw growth dis-harmonies are present and are most favorably addressed at a younger age.
- Protect the teeth near the front of the mouth from physical trauma by improving their positioning.
- Improve your child’s self-confidence. (Phase 1 usually isn’t recommended for purely cosmetic reasons, but it is something worth thinking about.)
Can a Child Avoid Phase 2 Treatment?
Generally speaking, Phase 1 orthodontics won’t prevent the need for Phase 2 care (which normally consists of traditional braces and similar services). Phase 1 orthodontics can go a long way towards improving the way the mouth develops, but it still only addresses immediate problems. As such, traditional orthodontic solutions may still be needed once the permanent teeth erupt. What should be noted, however, is that this two-phase approach might take less time in some cases compared to waiting for the permanent teeth to erupt before adjusting them.