PHASE 1 TREATMENT | LOUISVILLE
Safeguarding Smiles
At Louisville Orthodontics, nothing matters more to us than giving you and your loved ones a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles. And you may not know it, but sometimes, that can start as early as age 7!
Surprised? Let’s learn a little more about Phase 1, or early interceptive treatment.
Early Interceptive Treatment
Starting Smiles Out Right
Did you know that Dr. Chandiramani and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that every child see their local orthodontist by age seven? It’s true!
That might seem early, and for many children, this will just be a check-up. But sometimes, Dr. Chandiramani will notice that your child may benefit from early interceptive treatment, also known as phase 1 treatment.
What Is It?
Simply put, early treatment is just that – orthodontic care prior to the typical “braces years” aka, young teen years of 12-16. In some cases, it can make a real difference in your child’s smile!
Tailored Solutions for Growing Smiles
Every child's smile is unique, and that's why Phase 1 treatment at Louisville Orthodontics is customized to meet their specific needs. Here’s a look at the different types of treatments we offer to guide your child’s dental development.
Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders are used to gradually widen the upper jaw, creating more space for the teeth to align properly.
This appliance is particularly effective for children with narrow upper jaws or crossbites. By expanding the jaw early, we can prevent overcrowding and improve the overall bite, setting the stage for a more harmonious smile.
Partial Braces
Partial braces are sometimes used during Phase 1 treatment to address specific alignment issues in young children. These braces are typically applied to select teeth to correct minor positioning problems early on.
This proactive approach can reduce the complexity of future orthodontic treatment, helping your child achieve a straighter smile sooner.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are essential when a baby tooth is lost prematurely. These appliances hold the space for the permanent tooth, ensuring that it has enough room to emerge correctly.
Without a space maintainer, neighboring teeth might shift into the gap, leading to alignment issues that could require more extensive treatment later on.
Functional Appliances
Functional appliances, such as headgear or lower jaw expanders, are used to guide the growth of the jaw and teeth. These devices are particularly useful in correcting jaw alignment issues, such as underbites or overbites.
By influencing jaw growth during these formative years, we can help ensure a balanced, functional bite for your child.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Early treatment isn’t just about correcting issues; it’s about setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. Here are the key benefits of starting orthodontic care early.
Preventing Future Issues
Early treatment can prevent more serious orthodontic problems from developing later. By addressing issues like crowding, crossbites, or jaw misalignment early on, we can reduce or even eliminate the need for more extensive treatment in the future.
This means your child can avoid more invasive procedures and enjoy a smoother orthodontic journey.
Enhancing Confidence
A beautiful smile can significantly boost a child’s confidence. By starting treatment early, we can ensure that your child feels proud of their smile as they grow.
This increased self-esteem can positively impact their social interactions, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Optimizing Jaw Growth
During the early years, a child’s jaw is still growing and developing. Early treatment allows us to guide this growth, ensuring that the jaw is properly aligned and that there is adequate space for all of the permanent teeth.
This proactive approach can result in a more natural and stable bite.
Saving Time and Money
Early treatment can often reduce the time and cost associated with orthodontic care. By addressing problems early, we can minimize the need for more extensive treatment later on, potentially shortening the duration of braces or other corrective measures.
This approach not only saves time but can also be more cost-effective for families.
Set Your Child Up for Success
As parents, we all want what’s best for our children. And when it comes to their smiles, early treatment can go a long way towards securing a lifetime of confident, healthy grins.
With 100% always-free consultations, there’s never a bad time to get started setting your child up to smile big, smile bright, and smile healthy. Let’s get started today!