Phase 1 Treatment Options for Children

A beautiful, healthy smile is a gift that lasts a lifetime, and at Aiosa & Hoffman Orthodontics, we believe in starting early to ensure your child’s smile shines brightly for years to come. Phase 1 treatment, or interceptive orthodontics, is designed for children between 7 and 10 experiencing specific orthodontic issues. Our experienced orthodontists in Fleming Island, FL, will create a personalized treatment plan to address these concerns and guide your child’s smile toward a healthy and beautiful future.

What is Phase 1 Treatment?

Phase 1 treatment is an early orthodontic intervention that addresses specific problems while your child’s jaw is still growing and their teeth are erupting. This proactive approach can prevent more complex issues from developing and may even reduce the need for extensive treatment.

Typical Phase 1 Treatment Options at Aiosa & Hoffman Orthodontics

• Palatal Expanders: Widen the upper jaw, creating space for crowded teeth and improving bite alignment.
• Space Maintainers: Prevent adjacent teeth from shifting if a baby tooth is lost prematurely, preserving space for the permanent tooth.
• Habit Appliances: Discourage thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, promoting proper oral function and teeth alignment.
• Limited Braces: Address specific alignment issues or guide the eruption of permanent teeth.

Benefits of Phase 1 Treatment:

• Prevent Complex Problems: Early intervention can reduce or eliminate the need for more extensive treatment later.
• Guide Jaw Growth: Phase 1 treatment helps guide proper jaw growth and development.
• Correct Harmful Habits: Appliances can discourage thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
• Improve Speech Development: Addressing alignment issues early can improve speech clarity and confidence.
• Boost Self-Esteem: A healthy smile can boost your child’s self-esteem and well-being.
• Shorter Treatment Time in the Future: Early intervention may shorten the duration of any future orthodontic treatment needed.
• Reduced Risk of Impacted Teeth: Early treatment can help prevent permanent teeth from becoming impacted or erupting in the wrong position.

When to Consider Phase 1 Treatment in Fleming Island and Orange Park

If your child is experiencing any of the following, it’s recommended to schedule an early orthodontic evaluation:

• Crowded or misaligned teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
• Protruding teeth
• Speech difficulties
• Crossbite, overbite, or underbite