We know that ensuring your child’s teeth are in good health is one of your biggest priorities.
While regular cleanings, dental checkups, and teaching your child how to properly brush and floss are all important, it is vital to have your child receive an orthodontic evaluation between the ages of 6-8. This can detect the need for interceptive treatment.
If your child does need early treatment to avoid incorrect eruption of permanent teeth or other problems, then you may want to consider Invisalign First for Phase I treatment.
In addition to eliminating the need for painful palatal expanders and extractions, this treatment makes any future dental work much more effective.
Read on to learn more about Phase 1 Interceptive Treatment.
The Benefits of Phase 1 Interceptive Treatment
Many parents aren’t aware that children should have their first orthodontic check-up at about 7 years old.
Doing so helps to identify potentially serious orthodontic issues, and address them before they become worse. While not all children will need Phase 1 Interceptive Treatment, there are many benefits in providing it to those that do.
Because your child’s teeth and jaw are still growing, Phase 1 Treatment helps to ensure that permanent teeth come in with the correct alignment, improves your child’s overall bite, and can even lower the chances of them needing jaw surgery later in life.
It can also help your child’s jaw to grow in the right position, ensure that dental arches are developing well, and pave the way for a shorter Phase 2 treatment (like braces.)
To ensure that permanent teeth have enough room to come in, Invisalign is often used during Phase 1 Treatment.
The Role of Invisalign
In the past, Phase 1 Treatment might have involved painful or unsightly orthodontic appliances.
But now, Invisalign First, which is specifically designed to fit the teeth and mouths of young children, is a much more popular option. This type of Invisalign works with both baby and permanent teeth, smaller teeth, and even erupting teeth. Plus, it works to help dental professionals to better anticipate where your child’s teeth will develop.
We know that your child will not only feel more confident wearing Invisalign as opposed to standard braces but will also be much more comfortable. They can remove their aligners when they eat and brush their teeth. Plus, they don’t have to worry about giving up food like caramel, corn on the cob, and other snacks that are often forbidden with braces.
In general, you can expect your child’s Phase 1 treatment to be finished in about one year at most. Afterward, your orthodontist will decide which kind of a retainer they should wear to keep their permanent teeth in the right places.
Ready to Begin Phase 1 Interceptive Treatment with Invisalign?
Now that you have a much better understanding of what Phase 1 Interceptive Treatment with Invisalign is, let’s talk about finding an orthodontist you can trust.
At Alborzi Orthodontics, we have years of experience in treating children’s orthodontic issues — and compassionate care that’s unmatched. Once we’ve completed Phase 1, we can then talk with you and your child about the best options for the second phase of their orthodontic treatment plan.
Not every child needs two phases of treatment but if your child does, it’s best to find out early and act.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your child’s appointment. Together, let’s make their smile even brighter.