Phase 1 Orthodontics Pleasanton
Promote Good Dental Alignment for Life
Did you know that all children should undergo an orthodontic evaluation by the time they turn 7? This early assessment allows our team to determine if interceptive orthodontics, also known as Phase 1 orthodontics, is necessary. If your child needs this service, our Pleasanton team will use special devices to promote proper development of their oral structures and help them establish the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental alignment. Contact us today to set up an appointment for your child.
Why Choose Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
- Highly Skilled & Caring Dental Team
- Prevent Future Oral Health Issues
- Multiple Payment Options Accepted
How Phase 1 Orthodontics Works
Phase 1 orthodontics usually starts when a child is between 6 and 9 years of age. During this critical period, kids tend to have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. Their jaws are also still growing, making this the ideal time to provide guidance for the development of their oral structures.
Phase 1 treatment often lasts for 6 – 18 months and may involve different orthodontic accessories, such as:
- Headgear, which can be used to promote proper jaw alignment as the facial bones develop.
- A Herbst appliance, which has the purpose of aligning the bite and reducing the need for future orthodontic care. It may also make room in the mouth in order to lower the chances that extractions will be needed to address overcrowding.
- A palatal expander, a small device that creates more space in the upper dental arch.
- Limited braces, which can shift specific teeth to promote better overall alignment.
- Space maintainers — these have the goal of preserving space left by baby teeth that were lost prematurely.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
To find out if your child is a candidate for Phase 1 orthodontics, bring them to our office for an evaluation. Our expert team will analyze their bite, the positioning of their teeth, and the development of their oral structures to determine if treatment is necessary.
While all kids should have an orthodontic evaluation, scheduling an appointment for your child is especially important if they have any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Noticeably crowded teeth
- An overbite or underbite
- Gapped teeth
- Breathing problems during sleep, such as mouth breathing or snoring
- Extended use of a pacifier or long-term thumb-sucking
- Early loss of baby teeth
The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
Phase 1 orthodontic care has the potential to provide a number of valuable benefits:
- Early Correction of Bite Issues: Addressing problems such as overbites or underbites now prevents more serious concerns in the future.
- Guidance of Jaw Growth: Phase 1 orthodontics helps your child’s jaw develop properly, thereby creating space for adult teeth.
- Reduction in Need for Extractions: Intervening early decreases the likelihood that permanent teeth will need to be removed later.
- Improvement in Oral Function: Your child will be able to speak and chew more comfortably with a properly aligned bite.
- Boost in Self-Esteem: A healthier, straighter smile encourages your child to feel confident among peers.
- Prevention of Trauma: Correcting protruding teeth reduces the risk of accidental dental injuries during play or sports.
- Better Long-Term Oral Health: Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean, which lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Simplified Future Treatment: Addressing orthodontic issues now may make future treatments shorter and less complex.
- Better Airway Health: Proper dental alignment is great for airway health, which can reduce issues like childhood sleep apnea.