Early orthodontics in Woodstock, GA for children who still have primary teeth is called Phase 1 or Early Interceptive orthodontic treatment. Phase 1 orthodontic treatment addresses specific dental and jaw development issues in children while they are still growing and their jaws are most malleable. Common problems addressed in Phase 1 include (but are not limited to): crossbite, underbite, and severe crowding.
Because correcting jaw problems early sets your child up for healthier, more balanced jaw and tooth development. Orthodontic problems often become obvious as early as age 7. With early orthodontic intervention, orthodontists can correct lots of these problems while your child’s jaws are still growing and before all of their permanent teeth erupt. If needed, Phase 1 treatment can simplify your child’s future treatment with braces and reduce the severity of jaw issues.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that kids get their first orthodontic consultation no later than the age of 7 years old.
We believe that everyone deserves a chance at a healthy smile, and that’s why we do everything we can to make paying for dental care as easy as possible.
Phase 1 orthodontics is particularly important in patients who may have serious jaw problems. As the patient grows, the problem grows as well. With early interceptive orthodontics, complex issues can be reduced or eliminated to set your child up for a healthy bite.
Phase 1 treatment helps create the ideal conditions for adult teeth to grow in correctly. This proactive approach significantly reduces misalignment of adult teeth, making later treatment simpler and more comfortable for the patient.
Palatal expansion in children is a common orthodontic treatment that widens the roof of the mouth. This can improve your child’s breathing by creating more space in the nasal passages and reducing constriction in the upper airway, promoting healthier breathing patterns, better sleep, and improved quality of life.
Your child’s orthodontic journey starts with a friendly visit to Sweet Peach Orthodontics, where Dr. Pelt will complete a thorough evaluation of your child’s jaws, teeth and airway. A 3D X-ray will be taken to see how the permanent teeth are developing in the jaw bones and to assess the airway.
If Dr. Pelt determines that your child would benefit from Phase 1 treatment, she will create a customized treatment plan to meet your child’s needs. If an appliance is needed, an easy digital scan of your child’s mouth is used to fabricate it – no messy, goopy impressions here!
Phase 1 treatment typically lasts between 6-12 months, though treatment times can vary depending on your child’s individual needs. Throughout this process, your child will visit our office regularly for adjustments to their appliances, aligners, or braces. Dr. Pelt will closely monitor their oral health and assess their progress.
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
If your child displays one or more of the following, they may be a good candidate for early interceptive orthodontic treatment:
Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.
Early interceptive orthodontic treatment offers several key benefits for children. By addressing dental and jaw issues at a young age, it can help guide the proper growth of the jaw, creating more space for incoming permanent teeth and improve nasal breathing. It can also correct harmful habits like thumb-sucking and improve facial symmetry.
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have erupted for an orthodontist to identify potential issues with the alignment of the teeth and jaws, as well as assess any growth-related concerns. Early assessment helps determine if interceptive treatment, such as palatal expansion or space maintenance, is needed to address developing problems and guide proper oral development. While every child should be evaluated by age 7, not every child will need early interceptive treatment.
The cost of early interceptive orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s dental and jaw misalignment, number of appointment and visits needed, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s early interceptive orthodontics is to schedule a complimentary consultation at Sweet Peach Orthodontics.
