As parents, we always want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. One area that often gets overlooked until the teen years is orthodontic care. However, early orthodontics is a highly successful approach that addresses potential dental issues before they become more complex and costly to treat.

This proactive treatment can guide proper jaw growth, correct harmful oral habits, and improve the alignment of teeth — all of which can help avoid the need for more invasive procedures in the future. 

If you're wondering whether your child could benefit from early orthodontic care, read on to learn more about phase one orthodontics and discover where to find the best orthodontist in Cary, NC.

What is Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Phase 1 orthodontics, also known as early orthodontics, is a proactive approach that addresses dental issues in children between the ages of six and ten — around five to seven years sooner than traditional orthodontic treatments. This treatment focuses specifically on guiding jaw growth and correcting bite problems while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. 

Unlike traditional braces, which are usually applied during adolescence, phase 1 orthodontics uses a variety of tools such as partial braces, space maintainers, or palatal expanders to create a healthier environment for permanent teeth to emerge. The main goal is to prevent more severe orthodontic problems from developing later and potentially reduce the need for extensive treatment or oral surgery.

What Can Early Orthodontics Treat?

Early orthodontics can address a wide range of dental issues in children. It's particularly effective for treating problems related to jaw growth and alignment, such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites. This early intervention can also help correct harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting, affecting tooth positioning and jaw development. Additionally, phase one orthodontics can create space for crowded teeth, guide erupting permanent teeth into better positions, and improve overall facial symmetry. It's also useful in treating protruding front teeth, which are more prone to injury. 

What Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Include?

Phase one orthodontics is a comprehensive approach to early dental intervention that uses various modern dental techniques and dental appliances. Any combination of the following treatments can be used during early orthodontic treatment:
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• Partial braces for stabilizing or moving a few teeth in the upper or lower jaw
• Palatal expander to widen the upper jaw, creating more space for crowded teeth and improving bite alignment
• Space maintainers for holding space for permanent teeth to come in properly after premature loss of baby teeth
• Headgear to guide jaw growth and tooth movement, typically used for overbites
• Removable retainers which help move one or a few teeth or hold teeth in position after other treatments
• Habit-breaking appliances designed to discourage thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting
• Bite plates that help correct deep bites or open bites
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Each child's treatment plan is customized based on their specific needs, and not all of these elements may be necessary for every patient. A pediatric orthodontist is the only expert who can help determine the most appropriate treatment options to achieve the best results.

How Long Does Phase One Orthodontics Take?

Phase 1 Orthodontics typically lasts between nine to 18 months, depending on the specific needs of the child and the severity of the orthodontic issues being addressed. This treatment is usually shorter than orthodontic treatment in adolescence. After the active phase 1 treatment is completed, there's often a resting period where the child's remaining permanent teeth are allowed to come in naturally. The child's dental development is monitored with regular dental check-ups during this time. 

How to Tell if Your Child Needs Early Orthodontics 

Determining if your child needs early orthodontics involves observing several key signs, including:
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• Watching for issues like crowded or misaligned teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing during sleep, sports, or activities 
• Early eruption or late loss of baby teeth
• Teeth that don't meet properly when the mouth is closed
• Thumb-sucking beyond age 5
• Tongue thrusting 
• Jaw shifts or makes sounds when opening and closing
• Noticeably uneven smile
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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic check-up by age seven. However, if you notice any of these signs earlier, it's wise to consult an orthodontist earlier. Early detection can lead to simpler and more effective treatment — potentially avoiding more complex treatments in the future.

Where to Find the Best Orthodontist in Cary for Early Orthodontic Treatment

Phase one treatment often simplifies and shortens any subsequent orthodontic work needed, but finding the best pediatric orthodontist for early orthodontic treatment is key to success. That’s why we focus on providing the best in modern orthodontics for our young patients. 

Dr. Spielberg's expertise in pediatric orthodontics allows her to create personalized treatment plans that cater to each child's unique growth patterns and dental needs. Using state-of-the-art technology and a gentle approach, the team at Spielberg Orthodontics is dedicated to correcting misalignments, managing space for erupting teeth, and promoting optimal oral function during these critical developmental years.

Our commitment to early orthodontic care extends beyond the clinic. We educate parents and children about the importance of proper oral habits and guide them on maintaining oral health throughout treatment. By intervening early, we aim to set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles — and simplify future dental care needs.