Phase 1 Orthodontics in Houston, TX
Did you know that early intervention, also called Phase 1 Orthodontics, can be performed while some baby teeth remain? In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends the evaluation of children by orthodontists by the age of 7. Dr. Younus, our highly qualified and experienced orthodontist, will assess your child and determine whether intervention is needed to help prevent the need for extensive treatments down the road. We, at Greater Houston Dental Arts, are committed to ensuring your child enjoys a healthy smile for a lifetime.
Phase 1 Orthodontics and Its Advantages
Phase 1 Orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, usually takes place between the ages of 7 and 11. It is designed to intercept problems with growth, development, or eruption of teeth, allowing us to intervene while a child’s teeth and jawbones are extremely pliable and responsive to treatment, ensuring quick results.
Phase 1 Orthodontics has numerous benefits, including improving facial symmetry, reducing the risk of chipping protruded teeth, and resolving speech obstruction. Most children who undergo interceptive orthodontic procedures will need braces or other orthodontic appliances later on, but future treatments are usually shorter and less costly and complicated.
Conditions Requiring Phase 1 Orthodontics
Conditions requiring early intervention include crowded, crooked, gapped, or protruding teeth, as well as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Children who breathe through their mouths, those who experience difficulty in biting or chewing, and those with jaws and teeth not proportional to the rest of the face will likely require early orthodontic intervention.
Examples of Phase 1 Orthodontics
Examples of Phase 1 Orthodontics include palatal expanders, which have more success when used at a young age to expand the child’s upper arch while the bones are still malleable. That helps make room for the permanent teeth to erupt correctly. Interceptive treatments also include the correction of front teeth protrusion, space maintainers to maintain the space left by prematurely lost primary teeth, braces on select teeth, and the targeted removal of primary teeth that are in the way of permanent teeth erupting correctly.
Phase 1 Orthodontics in Houston, TX
Visit Greater Houston Dental Arts to learn more about phase 1 orthodontics. Dr. Younus will evaluate how your child’s mouth is growing and developing, and will intervene if necessary to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Call and schedule your appointment today!
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