Early Interceptive Orthodontics | Phase 1 In San Juan Capistrano, CA
Starting orthodontic care for your young child may seem drastic. But by beginning proactive care early, we can help minimize or even eliminate their need for more extensive treatments in the future. Give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Why Should I Choose Early Interceptive Orthodontics?
Because the sooner you get treatment for your child, the better the alignment of their teeth and jaws will be. Orthodontic problems often become obvious as early as the age of 6-8 in some kids. By using special early orthodontic treatments, orthodontists can correct lots of these problems while your child’s jaws are still growing, and before all of their permanent teeth erupt. This is known as “Phase 1” orthodontic treatment. Getting phase 1 treatment can simplify your child’s future treatment with braces, and can even eliminate the need for further orthodontic procedures, in some cases.
Phase 1 can also help address oral habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Orthodontists work closely with pediatric dentists and other specialists to develop an early treatment plan that supports proper bite development and guides permanent teeth into the right position.
Why Should I Choose Early Interceptive Orthodontics?
Because the sooner you get treatment for your child, the better the alignment of their teeth and jaws will be. Orthodontic problems often become obvious as early as the age of 6-8 in some kids. By using special early orthodontic treatments, orthodontists can correct lots of these problems while your child’s jaws are still growing, and before all of their permanent teeth erupt. This is known as “Phase 1” orthodontic treatment. Getting phase 1 treatment can simplify your child’s future treatment with braces, and can even eliminate the need for further orthodontic procedures, in some cases.
Phase 1 can also help address oral habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Orthodontists work closely with pediatric dentists and other specialists to develop an early treatment plan that supports proper bite development and guides permanent teeth into the right position.
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The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
Develop A Healthy Bite
Phase 1 orthodontics is particularly important in patients who may have more advanced jaw discrepancies or a narrow palate. These issues can interfere with the development of a healthy bite and a healthy airway. In the future, this could lead to problems when the permanent teeth erupt, speech impediments, premature tooth wear, and gum disease. With early interceptive orthodontics, these complex issues can be reduced or eliminated.
Reduce Tooth Crowding
Early interceptive orthodontics helps guide adult teeth into the right position, reducing or even preventing future misalignment. This supports both a healthier smile and better long-term oral health. In some cases, it can significantly shorten the time needed for Phase 2 treatment or eliminate the need for it altogether.
Treat Other Dental/Health Complications
An improper bite and misaligned teeth can contribute to or cause lots of other problems like disordered breathing, a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay, speech issues, and much more. Proper care from an expert orthodontist will prevent many of these problems.
Our Difference
Invisalign-Certified Provider
Our doctor is a certified Invisalign provider with advanced training in clear aligner therapy. That means your child’s smile is in expert hands from start to finish.
Our Orthodontist is Here For Your Child
Dr. Huang is hands-on and personally involved at every visit, ensuring you and your child always have the chance to speak with her directly.
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A Clear Start with Invisalign First
We offer Invisalign First as a clear, comfortable option for early orthodontic treatment. It’s designed just for kids—gently guiding growing teeth while improving spacing and bite.Ask us if your child is a candidate for this discreet and kid-friendly solution!
No More Messy Impressions
With our intraoral scanner, we’re able to create accurate 3D models of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw structure, all without the need for messy impressions. These images allow us to create the most efficient treatment plans, and even see what your child’s smile will look like after their treatment has finished.
The Early Interceptive Orthodontics Treatment Process
Initial Consultation
First, your child will need to have an appointment with an experienced orthodontist. Your child’s orthodontist will take detailed x-rays, perform a comprehensive exam, and assess their overall oral health to determine if your child needs phase 1 orthodontics.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Once your child is approved for treatment, their orthodontist will develop a customized treatment plan. This could include special braces, habit appliances to help with things like thumb-sucking or bad swallow, palate expanders, headgear, and a variety of other treatments. Every child is different, so your orthodontist will discuss their plan with you and schedule all of the necessary follow-ups and checkups.
Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups
Phase 1 orthodontics typically takes about 12 months, though some patients may have shorter or longer treatment times. During this time, your child will come back to our office for frequent visits with their orthodontist. Their orthodontist will check on their oral health, examine their progress, and make sure everything’s on track. This same process will continue until your child’s treatment is complete.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
If your child is showcasing one or more of the following signs & symptoms, they may be a good candidate for early interceptive orthodontic treatment:
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Crowded teeth
- Excessively gapped teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking
Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.
Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could worsen over time and cause severe dental issues in adulthood if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to recognize and eliminate these problems as early as possible, so a child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.
The cost of early interceptive orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s early interceptive orthodontics is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
