Have you started to become concerned about your child’s oral or orthodontic health? Are you unsure of how to start their treatment process? Do you worry their baby teeth will hold them back from receiving treatment? Phase 1 treatment for children is an orthodontic treatment that ensures the jaw is properly in place and has enough space for healthy, straight permanent teeth. Learn more about the details of this process during a consultation with us at Rollins & Petersen Orthodontics at one of our five locations in Arizona!
What Is Phase 1 Treatment for Children?
Phase 1 treatment for children is an orthodontic practice that aims to assist in guiding jaw development. It encourages jaw growth to allow enough space for permanent teeth, and it may begin when a child still has baby teeth. This treatment addresses both concerns of the lower and upper jaws, ensuring they fit together properly with enough room for all permanent teeth. It initiates treatment of concerns that may be difficult to treat once permanent teeth have grown in.
What Does the Process Entail?
The specific details for each phase 1 treatment for children will vary as this is diverse and personalized treatment process. It may involve the utilization of different appliances, such as:
- Expansion appliances
- Headgear
- Limited phase of braces (braces on specific sets of teeth)
- Palatal expanders
- Space maintainers
- Tongue spurs
The process typically requires 6-18 months. While baby teeth may be removed during this process, they may be left in to begin treating concerns and lay good groundwork for permanent teeth. Following phase 1 treatment for children, there may be a waiting period before pursuing the next phase, which involves the utilization of braces.
Does My Child Need This Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment for children is most often recommended for children ages 6-9 and when the child still has some baby teeth. Indications that your child may need to go through this treatment phase before further orthodontic treatment may include:
- Bite issues (crossbite, deep bite, open bite, overbite, underbite)
- Narrow jaw
- Severe crowding
- Thumb sucking
- Tongue pushing
A consultation with our professional staff at one of our convenient Arizona locations can help determine if your child should undergo this treatment process. They will evaluate their mouth, jaw, and teeth, and make recommendations on the proper next steps for treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation!
Are you concerned your child may need additional steps before pursuing additional orthodontic treatments? Contact us today at Rollins & Petersen Orthodontics and schedule your consultation to learn more about Phase 1 treatment for children. Treven B. Rollins, DMD, Alan M. Petersen, DDS, and Nathan Larson, DDS, proudly serve Arizona with locations in Chandler, Gilbert, Globe, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Help your child take the first step on their orthodontic journey today!
