Helping Young Patients Avoid Crooked, Misaligned Smiles
Waban Dental Group offers Phase 1 Orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, to young patients who require early intervention for misaligned bites, overcrowded or gapped teeth, or ill-positioned jaws. Using a combination of expansion and adjunctive appliances, along with fewer metal brackets, our orthodontist can provide a holistic approach to manage growth patterns and reduce the risk of future complex treatments. If you believe your child might be a good fit for this type of care, schedule a consultation with our office today.
Why Choose Waban Dental Group for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
- In-House Orthodontist Available
- Dental Practice Serving Community for 40 Years
- Flexible Financing Options & Dental Insurance Welcome
How Phase 1 Orthodontics Works
Phase 1 Orthodontics is an approach to care that intercepts potential bite issues before they become more complex. By addressing them earlier, treatment is more holistic, comprehensive, and less invasive.
Growth modification or expansion appliances are the foundation of Phase 1 Orthodontics. With regular screenings, our dentist can pinpoint potential concerns — such as crowding or impacted teeth — to take steps to naturally correct them before they become severe.
For instance, palatal expanders and Herbst appliances can help upper and lower jaws grow just wide enough to ensure room for all of the teeth to come into alignment. They help modify the growth patterns of the facial bones, facilitating healthier tooth positioning and TMJ function. Tools such as space maintainers and lower lingual arches also assist in guiding teeth into the right direction. That way, they don’t have to be moved a few years down the road.
Phase 1 Orthodontics usually takes place between 7 and 9 years of age. Children’s mouths are rapidly growing, teeth are coming in, and they still have a mixture of both adult and baby teeth. They may need what looks like a full set of braces, but more often than not, they’ll have fewer brackets and a combination of adjunctive appliances.
Who is a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
If bite discrepancies such as crossbites, crowding, or overbites run in your family, there’s a chance that your child may mirror some of those same anatomical characteristics. Investing in growth modification can lower your child’s risk for significant dental and medical complications that may not become evident until later in adulthood. It’s a safe and effective way to give your child the healthiest smile possible.
Other indicators of good candidates include:
- Children with gapped teeth
- Children who have difficulty speaking
- Children with sleep breathing issues (mouth breathing)
- Children with a disproportionate jaw
The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
Ensuring your child’s growing smile receives early intervention (if necessary) will allow them to experience many wonderful benefits, such as:
- Early treatment at the age of 7 allows our orthodontist to set a baseline before more serious, extensive care is required.
- Your child’s mouth and face can be treated more easily because of the continuous development occurring at this time.
- Our orthodontist can reduce the risk of sleep disorders, poor bite alignment, unhealthy bone or jaw growth, and impaction.
- Your child may not require Phase 2 Orthodontics, which consists of wearing braces.
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
What Appliances Are Used in Phase 1 Orthodontics?
There are many appliances available for Phase 1 Orthodontics in Newton. Your child’s orthodontist will determine which one is right based on their smile needs, but some of the most common devices include:
- A palate expander to address overcrowded teeth
- A space maintainer to keep nearby erupted teeth in place until a permanent one pushes through
- Limited braces may be placed on specific teeth
- A custom-made appliance can be used for jaw imbalance
- A retainer for your child to wear after finishing Phase One Orthodontics
Are Phase 1 Orthodontics Painful?
You can expect your child’s orthodontist to keep this process as painless as possible, especially when placing their specific appliance. However, some minor discomfort and soreness are common in the days following their appointment. It’s important to remember that this is only temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Cold compresses and saltwater rinses can also help alleviate soreness. If your child wears limited braces and experiences irritation caused by protruding brackets, orthodontic wax can serve as a barrier.
Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Affect Diet & Nutrition?
Depending on the type of appliance your child receives, their diet and nutrition may vary. If the orthodontic appliance is removable, such as a retainer, they can eat all their favorite foods as long as they do not eat while wearing their device. If they have a palate expander or braces, it’s best to avoid hard, chewy, sticky, or tough foods to prevent accidental damage to the appliance or their teeth.
When wearing braces, soft foods are best because of the possible soreness they might experience. Soft foods minimize chewing and additional pressure.
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Covered by Insurance?
You will need to review your insurance plan before agreeing to start your child on Phase One Orthodontics. Some policies offer coverage, while others do not. If you find that your dental insurance plan offers coverage, it may help you save up to 50% on your child’s orthodontic treatment.
If you need help, do not hesitate to ask a member of our Waban Dental Group team.
We are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, but our team will always be happy to review your plan and help you find the most patient-friendly payment options. We want to ensure you understand the cost of treatment and make the process as simple and convenient as possible.
