Phase 1 Orthodontics – Highland Park, IL
Preventative Orthodontic Treatment
When you visit for a checkup and cleaning, it’s known as “preventative care”, because you’re preventing oral conditions from occurring in the first place. Phase 1 orthodontics is sort of like preventative care for your little one’s dental alignment. By intervening early with a Super 7 Checkup and prompt treatment, we can mitigate the need for more involved alignment straightening later on in your child’s life. Don’t worry – our team is experienced with young kids and will ensure your child feels safe and comfortable during their visit. Contact our office in Highland Park to get started!
How Phase 1 Orthodontics Works
With phase 1 orthodontics, the goal is to encourage your young child’s teeth to grow straighter and more evenly. Which means that some baby teeth might be included in the treatment! This might seem unnecessary, but baby teeth act like a guide for the permanent version. In other words, if a baby tooth is crooked, the adult tooth following it will also likely be crooked.
We can also treat more specific orthodontic problems or habits that your child might have. Depending on their needs, the process could take between 6 – 18 months. Here are some examples of what a phase 1 orthodontic treatment may involve:
- Often placed outside of the mouth and used in combination with braces, headgear promotes optimal jaw alignment.
- Functional appliance. These can take many forms, but they’re all designed to shift your child’s bite into a more favorable position.
- Limited braces. If we only identify one small, specific cluster of teeth that could be problematic, we can target orthodontic treatment with a shorter line of braces.
- To prevent your child’s orthodontic results from “coming undone”, we might give them a retainer to be worn regularly after their treatment is complete.
Who is a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the best time to screen for orthodontic problems is when your child is 7 years old. That might sound awfully specific, but there’s good research backing it up! By age 7, your child has enough permanent teeth to determine whether there are complications. For example, they’ll likely have their first molars and incisors, which gives us the opportunity to check for early bite issues and potential overcrowding.
Because 7 is such an important age for phase 1 orthodontics, Dr. Cohen offers a free Super 7 Checkup to evaluate your little one’s dental alignment. Here’s an idea of what we’ll be looking for:
- Dental overcrowding
- Overlapping teeth
- Significant gaps or spaces
- “Shark teeth” – pearly whites that sit behind or in front of other existing teeth
- Signs of habits, like thumb- or pacifier-sucking, that could interfere with oral health
The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
The main benefit of “preventive orthodontics” is limiting your child’s need for more complicated orthodontic treatment down the road. Overall, you’re saving time, discomfort, and money! Plus, your little one will appreciate these advantages:
- Reduced risk for oral developmental issues, such as speech impediments and obstructed airways
- Less time spent wearing braces as a self-conscious teenager
- Less likely need for jaw surgery later in life
Even if we don’t find any problems during your kiddo’s Super 7 Checkup, you’ll get the benefit of immediate peace of mind. So if your child is rapidly approaching their 7th birthday, don’t hesitate to contact us for an exam!
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Painful?
When placing Phase 1 Orthodontics in Highland Park, your child should not expect to experience any kind of pain; however, there is likely to be some minor discomfort in the days following their appointment. The reason is that their mouth will begin to move and adjust over time. Although the soreness will only be temporary, you can help your child navigate this timeframe with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. They might also find it helpful to rinse with warm salt water, as this is known to curb discomfort.
Should they experience any soft tissue soreness (i.e., inner cheeks, tongue, etc.), have your child use orthodontic wax to cover protruding appliances that may rub and irritate the skin.
Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Affect Diet & Nutrition?
It depends. Every child is different, as is their treatment plan and recommended appliance. If a palate expander is required or braces, you’ll need to make sure they avoid all hard and crunchy foods as well as anything sticky or chewy. This can cause damage to the appliance(s) and potentially result in a delay of treatment. However, if they are wearing a removable device (i.e., retainer), they can eat any food they would like as long as they remember to take out the orthodontic appliance first. Failing to do so can cause damage and the need for replacement.
Is It Okay for a Child to Play Sports While Wearing Braces?
As long as you talk to Dr. Cohen about getting a custom athletic mouthguard for your child to wear, they should be fine to play sports while undergoing Phase 1 Orthodontics. Even if it is braces they must wear, a sportsguard can be customized to fit over the appliances so they remain protected alongside your child’s teeth and gums. By avoiding a one-size-fits-all solution that you can find at a local sporting goods store, you ensure that your child’s mouth remains better protected against anything that might otherwise damage their smile and/or orthodontics. Not to mention, customized appliances are more comfortable to wear and allow for better breathing.
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Safe?
Yes, should your child be recommended for Phase 1 Orthodontics, you can expect the treatment to be completely safe. When performed by a licensed orthodontist in Highland Park, like Dr. Cohen, she will help keep your little one comfortable throughout treatment as well as make the placement process as painless as possible. Although it may be more challenging for your child to take care of their teeth and gums while at home, she will equip them (and you) with the necessary information and tools to maintain good oral health and hygiene so that the chances of dental decay and gum disease remain low.
It's important to remember that the benefits and results provided by this method of treatment far outweigh any risks, especially since failing to seek professional care could lead to more serious dental issues for your child down the road.