Are Phase I Braces Worth It?

More children are now getting braces at younger ages than earlier. Children as young as seven or eight are demanding braces from parents because their classmates have them without understanding why braces are needed at their age. Children think braces are a fashion statement because they notice younger children in school having them. However, are braces necessary at a young age in school?

If you want to understand whether your child needs phase I braces, it helps if you, as a parent make beneficial decisions for your child’s well-being and overall health.

This article explains what phase I braces are and what they mean to your child. Kindly read for more information.

What Are Phase I Braces?

Phase I braces are problem-focused therapies provided by orthodontics in Houston to address a significant problem in your young child’s mouth. The treatment is generally for 12 months but can extend to 18 or be completed in six.

Phase I orthodontic treatment in Houston ranges from one orthodontic appliance or limited braces after removing specific baby teeth. Braces treatment early is provided with metal or gold appliances. Devices like palate expanders, orthodontic headgear, or thumb-sucking devices are also involved.

These orthodontic devices might be used singly as the main feature of your child’s phase I orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist will establish your child’s need and focus on the primary objective when providing phase I treatment. For example, as phase I orthodontics generally starts when your child is in the mixed dentition phase, the Houston orthodontist may decide to put braces on some of their baby teeth.

The primary objective of phase I orthodontic treatment is proactive and aims to address problems early before they become significant later. There are many advantages to getting your child phase I braces because it helps to take advantage of a time of active growth in your child. Orthodontists often use the growth period to address severe overbites and create space for overcrowding. Unfortunately, not every child is suitable for phase I orthodontic treatment. Children not maintaining proper oral hygiene or complying with the harsh restrictions with braces are not ideal candidates for the procedure, making the therapy harmful for some. Therefore expect the Houston orthodontist to discuss your child’s preparation for early phase I orthodontic treatment in Houston before proceeding further.

When Are Phase I Braces Needed?

Young children with severe jaw and tooth problems are ideal for phase I orthodontic braces. Early braces are not provided merely for aesthetic purposes. Unfortunately, if your child experiences anxiety and lacks self-esteem because of their teeth or bite, you can consider getting them to phase I orthodontics by discussing the situation with the Houston orthodontist.

Some dental conditions treated by the Houston orthodontist are cross bites of front and back teeth, crowding, open bites, underbite, spacing, finger, and thumb sucking habits, deep overbite, spacing, flared upper teeth, et cetera.

The Procedure Involved in Phase I Orthodontic Treatment

Children receiving phase I orthodontic treatment may receive combination braces or other appliances to help with bite issues. All children have unique problems that are not similar to others, making it essential for the orthodontist to prescribe the best devices suitable for them. Therefore orthodontists generally recommend an expander, metal or clear braces, or a Herbst appliance. Phase I orthodontic treatment with braces needs six to 12 months, depending on the tooth and bite problems that need addressing. Phase I orthodontic treatment is generally faster than phase II.

What Happens after Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?

After your child completes phase I braces treatment, they enter the observation and retention stage. Most children will receive either removable or permanent retainers and require evaluation from the orthodontic office every six months. During the periodic visits, the orthodontist evaluates the retainer’s condition and also observes the development of growth of a child to determine whether or when phase II braces might be required.

The Best Age for Phase I Orthodontic Braces

Your child’s specific needs determine the best time for phase I orthodontic braces. Most children do not get braces until their permanent teeth have erupted. However, some may need phase I braces because of poor teeth development and bite development. Children generally need orthodontic assessment by age seven. During an examination, you may receive information that your child needs no treatment, treatment may become essential later, or significant problems exist to start phase I orthodontic braces.

If your child gets six monthly dental exams and cleanings from the pediatric dentist, the professional will monitor the growth and development of their teeth to suggest orthodontic assessment as and when required with phase I orthodontic braces. Therefore keeping in regular touch with the pediatric dentist helps determine whether phase I orthodontic braces are worth it for your child.

If your child’s pediatric dentist recommends an orthodontic assessment for your kid Greater Houston Dental Arts provides interceptive orthodontics with phase I of phase II orthodontics as required. Please arrange an appointment with them with your child to receive the treatment they need to improve their dental health and quality of life.