WHAT IS EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase 1 treatment, or early interceptive treatment, involves using an orthodontic appliance to widen the upper arch to create enough space for all of the permanent teeth. The goal of early treatment is to guide the growth and development of the jaw and face before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. This growth can be accomplished with an orthodontic appliance known as a palatal expander.
During this phase of treatment, Dr. Ashley can influence the growth and development of the jaw to ensure that the upper and lower arch fit together properly. This creates the foundation of a beautiful, healthy smile and restores proper function to the jaw joint. Orthodontists try to avoid having to extract any permanent teeth for the purposes of orthodontics.
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD SEE AN ORTHODONTIST?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children see an orthodontist around age 7. At this time, children have a mixture of primary and permanent teeth and an orthodontist is well trained to be able to recognize any bite issues related to malocclusion. Early identification of orthodontic problems is the key to successful treatment outcomes. When addressed early, bite issues are usually easier to correct.
IS MY CHILD A CANDIDATE FOR EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Dr. Ashley will help determine if your child is a candidate for early interceptive treatment. After photos, x-rays and a clinical examination, you will find out if your child could benefit from palatal expansion. Not all children will need early interceptive treatment. However, some children will benefit from widening the upper arch to create space for permanent teeth. As a parent, we know you want the best dental health for your child. Evaluation for Phase 1 treatment means early identification of problems and a greater opportunity for a successful outcome for your child.
WHY DOES MY CHILD NEED EARLY TREATMENT?
To best serve our patients’ orthodontic needs, Ashley Orthodontics has developed a complete orthodontic care plan which includes early identification and recognition of problems that may indicate the need for early interceptive treatment. Signs that your child may benefit from early treatment include:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Early loss of baby teeth or late loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking or finger sucking habit creating an overbite
- Pacifier use beyond the age of 2 creating an open bite
- Crowding or misplaced teeth
- Speech difficulties
- Jaw that protrudes or is recessed
- Protruding front teeth
If your child is a thumbsucker or uses a pacifier, it is likely that he has a narrowed upper arch. Early treatment can help widen the upper arch enough to accommodate the larger permanent teeth. Oftentimes, interceptive orthodontic treatment can shorten the duration of Phase 2 orthodontics and possibly eliminate it completely.
If you notice that your child has difficulty chewing or biting food or has an open bite due to thumbsucking or pacifier use, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with Ashley Orthodontics at (540) 885-6815 .
BENEFITS OF EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Orthodontists can effectively treat malocclusion and lessen the need for invasive orthodontic treatment during the tween/teen years by identifying issues with the bite when children are young. Early orthodontic treatment offers many benefits for growing children, such as:
- Making space for crowded, erupting permanent teeth
- Influencing facial symmetry by guiding jaw growth and development
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Eliminating the need for tooth extractions
- Reducing treatment time in braces
- Improving self-esteem & increase self-confidence
- Improving breathing
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING EARLY TREATMENT
If Dr. Ashley recommends that your child will benefit from Phase 1 treatment, the first step in the process is to make an impression of the upper arch. After the impression is made, spacers will be placed between the upper back molars to allow room for the bands. Your child will come back in about a week to have the palatal expander placed.
A dental appliance known as a palatal expander will be made to fit in the palate or roof of your child’s mouth. A palatal expander is designed to gradually and gently expand the arch. It usually takes 6 months to widen the upper arch; however, the appliance is left in place for approximately 1 year.
TREATMENT PRE-BRACES
Sometimes, if a child has an open bite or protruding front teeth, a small set of braces will be placed in conjunction with the palatal expander. The braces will help bring the front teeth down and inward into a safer position thereby reducing the risk of injury or trauma.
Once Phase 1 is complete and the expansion is achieved, the appliance will be removed and your child will enter a period of rest. During this time, most baby teeth will be lost and permanent teeth will erupt. The next phase of treatment, known as Phase 2, can usually start around age 11-13. Traditional braces can be used to straighten the permanent teeth and align your child’s smile. Most children who have been through early interceptive treatment will experience a shortened treatment duration in Phase 2.
If you have any questions or concerns about early orthodontic treatment, or would like to have your child evaluated for Phase 1 treatment, call Ashley Orthodontics today at (540) 885-6815 for a complimentary consultation.