Phase 1 Orthodontics – Sycamore, IL
Early Guidance for a Beautifully Aligned Smile
Did you know that it is generally best to begin orthodontic treatment as early as possible? At Grand Dental – Sycamore, we strongly encourage parents to schedule a Phase 1 orthodontic consultation before their children become 7 years old. Our in-house orthodontic specialist and the many other dental experts in our office can identify developmental issues in teeth and jaws and begin treatment as early as recommended. It’s just another way we offer truly comprehensive dental care for your family. Is your child about the right age for this consultation? Please contact our office today!
Why Choose Grand Dental – Sycamore for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
- Skilled Orthodontic Specialist on Staff
- Years of Experience Working with Children
- Many Customized Orthodontic Solutions
Why Your Child Should See an Orthodontist Before Age 7
By the time your child turns 7, some of their permanent teeth will already have started to come in, but some baby teeth are still there. Even at this stage, an orthodontist can recognize potential problems with bite alignment and jaw growth. Finding and addressing these issues at this young age are best because changes to the teeth and jaws are much easier while the mouth is still developing. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists has identified age 7 to be the ideal age to schedule an orthodontic appointment. As a result, our orthodontic specialist has the opportunity to correct the development of your child’s mouth if needed.
Does My Child Need Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Although most orthodontic issues can only be identified by an orthodontic specialist, your child’s general dentist or pediatric dentist may also see the need for orthodontic intervention during a regular checkup. In addition, you as a parent may notice certain symptoms that indicate orthodontic care is needed. Such symptoms include the following:
- Crooked or overcrowded teeth
- Sizeable gaps between the teeth
- Protruding teeth
- A noticeably disproportionate jaw
- A speech impediment
- Difficulty breathing on a regular basis
How Does Phase 1 Treatment Work?
No two Phase 1 orthodontic treatment plans are exactly the same. Your child’s plan is individualized based on the alignment of their teeth and other dental concerns. We can utilize various types of orthodontic appliances depending on the situation. For instance, an expander gradually widens the upper jaw or palate to make plenty of room for adult teeth to erupt. If a baby tooth has come out earlier than it should have, your child may need a space maintainer to prevent the surrounding teeth from drifting into the gap. In other cases, braces might be necessary for a short amount of time.
Generally, Phase 1 treatment lasts between 10 to 14 months, but the exact timeline will be determined by the changes needed. We will monitor the growth and development of your child’s mouth after Phase 1 treatment, and if necessary, we can begin Phase II orthodontics around age 11, when most permanent teeth will have erupted.
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
What appliances are used in Phase 1 Orthodontics?
The appliances that are commonly used as part of Phase 1 Orthodontics might include a palate expander, space maintainer, or limited braces.
- Overcrowded teeth usually need a palate expander to help create additional space in the upper jaw.
- Space maintainers are used to fill in the gap left behind by a baby tooth that falls out too early.
- Limited braces are often recommended when a child is dealing with severe tooth problems, but they’re only placed on specific teeth since the child’s jaw and pearly whites still need time to develop.
- If a child’s bite is misaligned because of a jaw imbalance, a Herbst appliance that consists of steel crowns that are cemented to the molars may be used.
After Phase 1 is complete, a child will be required to wear a retainer to ensure their teeth remain in place.
Does Phase 1 Orthodontics affect diet and nutrition?
Depending on the type of appliance a child is wearing, their diet and nutrition may or may not be affected. If the device is removable, a patient is more likely to eat as normal. If a palate expander or braces are required, certain foods may be off-limits, such as raw vegetables, steak, or nuts.
In most cases, it’s best for children to stick to softer foods when wearing any kind of permanent oral appliance. These might include bread, cooked vegetables, dairy, softer meats, etc.
Is it okay for a child to play sports while wearing braces?
Most children who wear braces are fine to play sports; however, appropriate mouth protection must be provided to avoid accidental damage and injury. Failing to do so can lead to unexpected harm to their teeth and braces, resulting in an immediate visit to the emergency dentist’s office. Fortunately, our orthodontist can provide a custom-made mouthguard to wear so that their braces are not negatively affected should unnecessary pressure be placed on their mouth during a game. If a dental injury does occur, though, it’s best for the individual to call our office right away.
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics covered by insurance?
It is possible for dental insurance to cover a portion of Phase 1 Orthodontics; however, each plan is different, so individuals should review their policy before agreeing to treatment. It is the goal of our dental office in Sycamore to maximize the dental benefits of our patients as well as file any necessary claims and paperwork. If dental insurance is not an option that a person can use to save on their child’s orthodontic care, there are other payment methods available, including flexible financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit and our Grand Advantage Plan that offers discounts on orthodontics.