Early intervention orthodontics also known as “Phase 1 Treatment” allows your child’s jaws, airway, teeth and smile to develop in the healthiest way possible.
Children Braces in Santa Monica CA
Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first visit with an orthodontist by the age of seven? This may seem young, but it’s the ideal age for a few reasons. First, the child should have a mix of permanent and baby teeth at this point, allowing us to see how the permanent teeth are erupting. It also gives us an opportunity to see how the jaw is growing and gives us the opportunity to take steps to correct or guide jaw growth if needed.
Early interventive orthodontic treatment can reduce the need for surgery or extractions later, and make the second phase of treatment more efficient and effective.
Two-phase, the early interventive orthodontic treatment allows us to:
- Help improve the airway flow in the nose, mouth, and throat
- Expand the width of the arches to make space for the tongue, and permanent incoming teeth and broaden the smile
- Correct bad habits, such as thumbsucking or extended pacifier use
- Improve speech issues
- Correct problems with chewing
- Guide the growth of the jaw
- Create space to avoid crowding
- Avoid future surgery or extractions
The best way to determine if your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment is through a consultation with an orthodontist, but parents can be on the lookout for some signs that could indicate their child might benefit from treatment, including:
- Irregular, early, or late loss of baby teeth
- Issues with biting or chewing
- Breathing through the mouth, rather than the nose
- Sucking of the thumb or fingers
- Crowded, blocked, or otherwise misplaced teeth
- The jaw makes noises
- Teeth that don’t fit together properly
- The jaw is disproportionate to the rest of the face
Orthodontic treatment today is more efficient and effective than ever before. And there are more options to choose from standard metal braces, to clear braces, to Invisalign.
We recommend bringing your child a 7-year-old for a consultation to determine if Early Intervention Treatment (Phase 1 treatment) is needed or if holding off until further growth and development takes place is preferred. Starting a relationship with an orthodontist will ensure treatment can begin at the precise time that will have the most impact on your child’s smile.
Santa Monica Orthodontic treatment serves an important purpose and goes far beyond just the cosmetic – it improves the bite and sets your child up for a lifetime of good oral health. A bad bite places abnormal pressure on our teeth, which can lead to chipping, cracking, and breaking. And misaligned teeth are often harder to keep clean, leading to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t only create more beautiful smiles, it creates healthier smiles, too.
Santa Monica Braces For Children is a great option for many patients. Schedule your consultation today to determine if your teen can benefit from the clear option for orthodontic treatment at Abraham Orthodontics.
