Phase 1 Orthodontics in St. Charles, IL
Early orthodontic treatment, or Phase 1 orthodontics, can identify and prevent developmental issues in your child’s teeth and jaws, preventing them from experiencing troubling orthodontic issues in the future.
Prose Orthodontics offers this service in an effort to provide comprehensive orthodontic care to your family. Prevention is key to maintaining the health of your teeth, and you can extend that same understanding and benefit to your growing children. In St. Charles, Dr. Prose is adept in treating children as young as 7, and we will ensure your entire family’s comfort during all stages of their treatment.
Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about the development of your child’s teeth and understand what treatment options are available.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is an early phase of orthodontic treatment designed for our youngest patients between the ages of 7 and 9. At this age, children have a mix of permanent and baby teeth. In some cases, our youngest patients require this early treatment to correct existing problems and prevent future problems from occurring.
Dr. Prose and Dr. Grzetic will address issues with the permanent teeth as well as the remaining baby teeth. Issues with baby teeth can signal future problems with eating, speaking and breathing for your child.
Phase 1 orthodontics is an important preventative measure that can protect your child from experiencing complex orthodontic issues like tooth removal, jaw surgery, and other orthodontic challenges as they get older. Early orthodontic treatment can help your child have a flawless smile journey.
What Are the Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics?
One of the main advantages of Phase 1 orthodontics is that it can help guide the growth and development of the jaw and facial bones. By addressing issues such as overcrowding, crossbites, or underbites early on, Dr. Prose can ensure that the jaw develops correctly, leading to improved facial symmetry and overall oral health.
Other benefits of Phase 1 orthodontics include:
- Creating space for permanent teeth: Phase 1 orthodontics can help create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly. This is particularly important in cases where there is limited space in the mouth or if there are extra teeth that need to be addressed.
- Improving speech and breathing: Correcting jaw alignment abnormalities early on can improve any speech impediments your child may have. If they have breathing issues because of misaligned or narrow jaws that restrict their airway, Phase 1 can greatly help alleviate those issues.
- Enhancing facial aesthetics: By correcting bite problems and guiding jaw growth, phase 1 orthodontics can improve facial aesthetics, resulting in a more balanced and attractive smile.
- Boosting self-confidence: Improving the alignment and appearance of the teeth through phase 1 orthodontics can significantly boost a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem, leading to improved social interactions and overall well-being.
- Receiving comprehensive orthodontic care: With Phase 1 orthodontics, your child will receive comprehensive and individualized care throughout the major developmental stages of their life. Dr. Prose and the entire Prose Orthodontics family will welcome your family with open arms, ensuring that your child’s smile remains healthy and beautiful.
What Problems Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Address?
Dr. Prose may suggest addressing various issues while a child still has their baby teeth. These issues include:
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Underbites (when the lower front teeth extend further than the upper front teeth) -
Crossbites (when the jaw shifts to one side) -
Crowded teeth -
Widely spaced teeth -
Extra or missing teeth -
Abnormal tooth alignment or lack thereof -
Thumb-, finger-, or pacifier-sucking habits that impact dental and jaw development
Is My Child a Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
At Prose Orthodontics, we understand that every child’s orthodontic needs are unique. Our practice offers Phase 1 Orthodontic treatment to address these needs at an early stage.
Here are some key indicators that may signify your child would be a good candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics:
- Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
- Habits affecting dental development, like thumb sucking
- Speech or breathing difficulties
- A disproportionate jaw size compared to the head
- Obstruction of incoming adult teeth by baby teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Problems with chewing or biting
- Protruding or misaligned teeth, especially noticeable around age 7 or 8
Even if your child doesn’t display any of these signs today, early consultations allow us to perfectly time treatments for optimal results.
Contact us to discuss individualized treatment options tailored to your child’s evolving needs.
Phase 1 Orthodontics at Prose: Building Bright Smiles from the Start
If you suspect your child may need early orthodontic intervention, or if your family dentist has recommended a consultation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way! At Prose Orthodontics, our team offers complimentary comprehensive initial exams to map out the ideal treatment plan for your child’s unique smile. Reach out today to schedule a consultation—we even offer flexible financing options to make the process easier on you.
