Phase 1 Orthodontics
Interceptive Orthodontics, also known as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is treatment for children typically between the ages of 7 and 10 years old. This treatment corrects problems caused by unbalanced jaw growth, premature loss of baby teeth, severe crowding, impaction of permanent teeth, and the wear and/or shortening of permanent teeth and roots. Early treatment lessens the severity and complexity of orthodontic problems as a child grows, which can reduce the need for extraction of permanent teeth and jaw surgery.
FAQS
Crossbite of back or front teeth (for example, an underbite)
Narrow palate and smile
Severe crowding
Delayed eruption of permanent teeth after loss of a baby tooth
Ectopic eruption of permanent teeth, which is primarily visible on dental x-rays
Drifting of teeth after early loss of a baby tooth due to decay or severe crowding
Mouth breathing during the daytime or while sleeping
Finger or lip sucking
Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 9-12 months, but may last up to 15-18 months if certain types of growth modifications are required.
Whether or not your child will need a second set of braces depends on their growth, bite, and the way their remaining permanent teeth come in. It’s possible for phase 1 treatment to eliminate the dental need for a second phase beyond what’s desired for cosmetic purposes. However, most of the time a second phase of braces is needed to correct the position of the permanent teeth that were not erupted at the time of completing Phase 1. Some bite problems can’t be corrected until all the permanent teeth erupt.
