Children go through major development while growing up. One of the changes occurs in their dental conditions. Sometimes you might notice that their teeth are not growing as they normally should. Here Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment comes in. Dentists provide orthodontic treatment (link to service page) to children according to their needs after consultation.
Who Should Opt For Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
The child needs Phase 1 Orthodontic treatments if they have the following problems:
- Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Their teeth don’t come together correctly
- Thumb sucking
- Speaking issues
- Problems breathing comfortably
- If their jaw isn’t in proportion to the rest of their head
- If incoming permanent teeth are being obstructed by baby teeth
Children should get Phase 1 Orthodontic treatments between ages 6 to 9 years.
Benefits Of Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment
The benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontic treatments are:
- Bite Correction
- Closing unsightly spaces
- Breaking damaging thumb or finger-sucking habits
- Correcting mouth breathing problems
- Prevention of tooth extraction in the future
- Making space for future larger teeth erupting
- Boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem
- Increase ability to clean teeth and gums
- Improved ability to chew foods properly
- Improved ability to speak
Side Effects Of The Treatment
Jaw pain & Discomfort
The child’s teeth move to a different place while going through orthodontic treatments. This constant movement causes discomfort. Dentists may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics for such pains. If the pain persists for longer than 2 or 3 days, it is advisable to meet with the dentist again.
Bleeding Gums
It is normal for a little bleeding after having a procedure. Traditional braces can cut the tongue and inside of the cheeks when the patient wears them for the first time.
Eating Disruption
After wearing braces, children have to go through certain diet changes. It is necessary to keep the braces and aligners clean. Patients are required to eat only soft food. Hard and sticky foods, like candy, can get stuck in the brackets. This can give rise to bad breath and cavities.
Allergies
Sometimes patients are allergic to certain metals that are used for braces. It is necessary to inform the dentist beforehand if the child suffers from such allergies. Nowadays, latex-free rubber is being used to make braces.
Poor Oral Hygiene
It becomes increasingly difficult for the child to maintain their oral hygiene routine while wearing braces. Brushing and flossing twice a day can help them keep the braces clean.
Relapse
The child needs a retainer after their treatment. If retainers are not used the teeth can go back to their original position. This is known as relapse. If a relapse is not controlled, then further orthodontic treatment will be required after the child grows up.
The Bottom Line
With Phase 1 Orthodontic procedures, you can stop future issues before they even occur and enable your child in achieving a beautiful smile they will always be proud to show off. Visiting the dentist as soon as the above-mentioned problems show up is best for the child’s dental health.
