Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics Smithfield
Proactive Intervention for Children with Orthodontic Concerns
As a parent, your top concern is ensuring your child is healthy, happy, and has all of their basic needs met. Some of those can be easier to get done than others. If your child requires early orthodontic intervention to help guide the development of their teeth and jaw, Dr. Berry can help. As a skilled orthodontist with years of experience, he has helped minimize children’s needs for invasive surgeries through treatments like Phase 1 pediatric orthodontics. To learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation, call our team at Smithfield Orthodontics today.
Why Choose Smithfield Orthodontics for Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics?
- Experienced & Friendly Orthodontist
- 5-Time Winner of Top Dentist Award
- Family-Friendly Office That Sees All Ages
When is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment Needed?
Phase 1 orthodontics is typically recommended for children between seven and 10 years old. Unlike traditional orthodontic intervention, which typically doesn’t occur until a child has all of their adult teeth, Phase 1 orthodontics’ success depends on the child having a mix of both their baby and permanent teeth. This is because the bones and jaw are still developing, making interceptive treatment highly effective by allowing Dr. Berry to work with your child’s growth instead of against it.
The Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment Process
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is usually initiated when a child’s regular dentist or pediatrician refers them to an orthodontic specialist like Dr. Berry. Sometimes, it can also kick-off whenever a parent notices that their child has a bite problem or irregular dental development. After a thorough examination, Dr. Berry will discuss his diagnosis as well as his recommended treatment plan. The term “Phase 1 orthodontics” can be used to describe a wide range of procedures, including:
- Palatal expansion
- Partial braces or aligners
- Functional appliances to correct jaw growth
- Habit correction to help break thumb and pacifier-sucking
Our team will discuss what we recommend for your child and answer any questions you may have before moving forward. Our top concern is your child’s wellness, just like you, so we always strive to take the time to make the process as collaborative as possible.
The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
By treating your child’s orthodontic concerns early on, they will receive a number of benefits beyond just a straighter smile. Some other differences that you may notice include:
- Improved jaw development that allows their permanent teeth to grow in more aligned.
- Better sleep quality due to optimal airway function. This can also help them feel less cranky!
- Reduced chances of lengthy orthodontic treatment in the future.
- Boosted confidence with a smile that looks and feels great!
- Reduced mouth breathing due to airway correction.
What Happens After Phase 1 Orthodontics?
After your child completes Phase 1, we want them to go out and enjoy life without having to worry about orthodontic treatment for a little bit, so we’ll give them a rest! After all of their permanent teeth have erupted, we will then plan Phase II treatment, which typically involves straightening their adult teeth and fine-tuning any bite problems.