Unpacking Phase I Orthodontic Treatment
At Pierce Orthodontics, we’re committed to giving our Mt. Pleasant patients the healthiest smiles possible.
Sometimes that means seeing your child early—before or by age 7—to monitor their growth, assess their overall dental health, and determine whether early intervention, or Phase I treatment, is necessary.
Let’s take a deep dive into what Phase I treatment is and how it can help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, straight smiles.
The Importance of Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that by age 7, children should have their first orthodontic check-up.
Why? By this age, the emergence of permanent molars and incisors provides a clear picture of potential future dental issues. While most orthodontic concerns can be addressed in later years with a single phase of treatment, there are particular situations where early intervention can offer substantial advantages.
At Pierce Orthodontics, under Dr. Tim's guidance, we stress the importance of early observations, which come at no additional cost.
Unlocking the Benefits
Phase I treatment isn't just about catching issues early—it's about providing transformative care that sets the stage for a healthier mouth as an adult. This early treatment avenue can:
- Broaden the upper jaw in a non-intrusive manner
- Minimize or entirely avoid tooth extractions in the future
- Significantly lower the possibility of intensive jaw surgeries
- Reduce the risk of injuring protruding front teeth
- Correct detrimental habits, including thumbsucking
- Boost appearance and self-confidence
- Simplify future orthodontic procedures and reduce the overall treatment time
- Reduce the odds of teeth becoming impacted
- Enhance speech development and ensure lips close comfortably
- Guide the permanent teeth to their rightful positions
Is Phase I Suitable for My Child?
It's crucial to recognize signs that might require Phase I treatment.
Phase I treatment may be beneficial if your child demonstrates any of the following issues:
- Any form of crossbite
- Prolonged habits such as thumbsucking or consistent mouth breathing
- Extreme crowding of teeth
- Teeth that are obstructed or impacted
- An early loss of a baby tooth, necessitating space maintenance
- Emotional challenges because of uneven or gapped teeth
Duration of this Early
Orthodontic Journey
Phase I is designed to be concise, usually spanning between 12 – 14 months. Depending on your child’s individual dental development, a subsequent treatment phase might be introduced once all permanent teeth have fully emerged.
Post-Treatment Progress
The conclusion of Phase I doesn't mean the end of our journey together. At Pierce Orthodontics, we continuously monitor the dental development of our young patients.
Retainers are provided post-treatment to ensure stability during this interim period. As new teeth appear and baby teeth fall out, we make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal dental health and positioning.
Embark on an Early Orthodontic Adventure
Dr. Tim and the dedicated team at Pierce Orthodontics are grateful for the opportunity to guide your child's dental journey. Starting early can pave the way for a lifetime of radiant smiles.
Schedule your free consultation today, and let's work together to discover the best path for your child's orthodontic care.