Interceptive (Phase 1) Treatment
Enjoy the Journey to a Beautiful Smile
Our friendly and experienced team provides exceptional orthodontic care…every step of the way.
Interceptive Orthodontics in Poway, CA
Many teens and adults undergo just one orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign at some point. Still, sometimes this is not enough to create a healthy and beautiful smile. Interceptive, or Phase 1, treatment involves early interventions that your child’s orthodontist may recommend when they are younger than most children/teens typically are when they get traditional braces or Invisalign. Phase I, or Interceptive treatment, is used to resolve significant tooth, bite, or jaw problems currently affecting a child’s oral health or are likely to be much more difficult to solve if teeth and jaw bones are allowed to keep developing as they are. Here is an overview of interceptive treatment, the problems Phase I treatment can help to correct, and the conditions that may make your child a good candidate for early treatment.
What Is Interceptive (Phase 1) Treatment?
While many orthodontic issues can be addressed once a child has all of their permanent teeth, some significant imbalances in permanent teeth eruption, crowding, and overall bite that occur early on may require early intervention to prevent more serious issues from developing. By correcting issues such as facial bones that are not growing properly, severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites, and baby teeth that do not fall out as they should, interventions at an early age can prevent injuries, ensure proper alignment of permanent teeth, and keep problems from escalating. At Midland Orthodontics, we offer a range of treatment options to address these concerns and help ensure your child’s oral health for years to come.
Assessment and Diagnosis
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child should be seen by an orthodontist starting at the age of 7. Your child’s general dentist or pediatric dentist may also recognize signs as early as 7-8 years old that a Phase I treatment may be needed and refer your child to an orthodontist for an exam. An orthodontist can then evaluate current tooth positions and bone growth through X-rays, exams, and other tools to provide recommendations for specific treatment options that most effectively treat immediate concerns.
What Are the Goals of Phase 1 Treatment?
The primary goal of Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is to ensure enough room for permanent teeth, reducing the risk of overcrowding and crooked teeth. Phase 1 also treats significant imbalances in bite growth and the jaw, including crossbite or underbite. So in cases where the upper or lower jaw of the child isn’t growing at the desired level, early orthodontic treatment can be beneficial. Such early correction can often prevent future dental trauma and avoid chances of permanent tooth removal and jaw surgery. Leaving such dental issues untreated may further worsen the bite and crowding conditions. The treatment time for the Phase I procedure usually varies between 9-18 months. After this, the child is given retainers checked every six months while waiting for the remaining teeth to erupt.
What Are the Different Types of Phase 1 Treatment
Every interceptive treatment phase 1 can look slightly different for every child. The orthodontist will always create a custom treatment plan depending on the child’s orthodontic needs. Some of the most common phase 1 treatment options your child’s orthodontist may recommend include:
- Expanders broaden your child’s palate and upper jaw to make room for adult teeth to come in closer to desired positions.
- Headgear is sometimes used to adjust the position of the upper or lower jaws and front teeth.
- Functional appliances are removable devices that function similarly to braces but only move one tooth at a time to make more complex moves happen more easily.
- Braces mostly focus on correcting one issue rather than adjusting all your child’s teeth.
What Types of Orthodontic Treatment Are Offered at Midland Orthodontics?
Every mouth is different, and some children need more specialized treatment than others to achieve the smile they want. Our main orthodontic treatment options include the following:
- Comprehensive Treatment: One stage of treatment is enough to correct your child’s teeth completely.
- Interceptive (Phase 1) Treatment: An early intervention that can help correct significant problems before they finish developing.
- Surgical Orthodontics: Used to correct severe jaw abnormalities quickly.
- Limited Treatment: Focuses on visible front teeth and can be used if back teeth do not need treatment.
- Dentofacial Orthodontics: Interventions that help the jaw grow properly and do not focus on teeth.
Choose Midland Orthodontics for Effective Phase 1 Treatment in Poway, CA
At Midland Orthodontics, we know that making decisions about your child’s orthodontic care can be challenging, especially when their needs are simpler. We are here to help guide you through options when determining the best possible phase 1 treatment for your child and to answer any questions you or your child have. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation for your child’s early interceptive orthodontic treatment. Learn more about what makes Midland Orthodontics the top choice for orthodontic treatment in Poway, CA