When your child suffers from severe teeth misalignment, it is recommended that they begin receiving orthodontic care from age seven to age 10. Known as phased treatment, this prepares your child’s smile for a healthier dental future. Although this treatment is effective, many parents question whether it’s worth the cost, or if it is necessary at all. The truth is, not every child will need two phases of braces treatment, but those who receive both phases will receive benefits that one phase cannot always deliver.

Phase I Treatment can Prevent Dental Problems 

Something not all parents realize is how teeth grow into the smile. When adult teeth come in, their alignment may have been affected by their baby teeth, and any habits they had as a child can affect how their bite develops. When your child is approaching age 10, their front adult teeth grow in, which is when serious alignment problems need to be solved. If your child has had a malocclusion such as crossbite, under and overbite, then adult teeth can be pushed out of place. Phase 1 braces will adjust your child’s bite and ensure the new adult teeth don’t force other teeth out of line.

Braces on the front adult teeth are usually combined with a palatial expander to create a two-fold approach. By expanding the jaw, room is created for all the adult teeth to grow in, which permits for a uniform smile. The front braces will make sure your child’s adult teeth start off right, and by the time treatment is done, they can have a confident smile for their early teen years. 

Phase II braces are the next stage in the treatment process but are not always necessary if phase I has been successful. This second portion is often used to tailor the final alignment process for an even more uniform smile, and the actual treatment usually requires regular braces treatment without an expander. Depending on the complications of a child’s individual case, the treatment appliance may vary.

Lifelong Benefits of Phase I Treatments

By beginning a child’s orthodontic treatment early, it’s possible to avoid future oral surgeries or teeth extractions during the teen years. The palatial expander will ensure there’s enough room for teeth to grow in, thus avoiding extraction of adult teeth. If serious bite issues are amended early, then oral surgery may not be necessary to increase room in the smile. Overall, your child will benefit from a uniform and functional smile that they will give them confidence. As opposed to just receiving regular braces in one treatment span, your child may face longer treatment time or require extensive procedures to correct jaw spacing and tooth alignment. Phase I simply starts the process early, for less extensive treatment later. 

But What about the Cost?

Many parents decide Phase I braces are not worth it when it comes down to cost. At Care Orthodontics we strive to help every patient afford the transformative care we offer. With discounts on phased braces, unique financing options, and a wide network of accepted insurance, many patients in our orthodontic family can afford the care their child needs. 

For more information on Phase I braces, Contact Care Orthodontics

Dr. Nancy Phan is our board certified, experienced orthodontist that gives patients the high-quality care they deserve. Call us for a complimentary examination for your child, and see how our gentle care can transform the smile. We see patients from all over the San Jose Area, including Los Gatos and Milpitas.