{"id":112,"date":"2021-03-11T04:10:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-11T04:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kids-dentistry.com\/blog\/?p=112"},"modified":"2021-03-23T16:17:20","modified_gmt":"2021-03-23T16:17:20","slug":"phase-1-orthodontics-new-britain-pediatric-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kids-dentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/03\/11\/phase-1-orthodontics-new-britain-pediatric-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"Can My Child Get Braces When They Still Have Baby Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Most of the time, crooked teeth and braces are associated with the teenage years. However, did you know that your child doesn\u2019t need to have all their permanent teeth to get (or need) orthodontic care? In fact, early intervention with pediatric braces can make all the difference in preventing serious complications and expensive treatments in the future. Your child may even be able to achieve a straighter smile sooner than they would with traditional braces later in life! Here\u2019s everything you need to know about a pediatric treatment called Phase 1 orthodontics<\/a> and how to tell if your child could benefit from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Isn\u2019t My Child Too Young for Orthodontic Treatment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since anywhere from 50-75% of children and teens end up needing orthodontic treatment, you probably wouldn\u2019t be surprised if your child\u2019s dentist or orthodontist told you that your little one does as well. However, many parents are surprised to hear that their child may need treatment before all their permanent teeth come in. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children get an orthodontic checkup by the age of seven, regardless of how crooked their teeth look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this may seem early, by the time your child is seven, an orthodontist can see how their teeth and jaws are developing and predict if they\u2019ll need treatment in the future. They\u2019ll also be able to spot the earliest warning signs of serious orthodontic issues long before they begin to become apparent or impact your child\u2019s day-to-day life. Like with many things, it\u2019s best to address these problems when they\u2019re still small and easy to treat rather than to wait for them to become bigger, more complex issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Phase 1 orthodontics takes advantage of the fact that your child\u2019s mouth, teeth, and jaws are still developing. As such, they\u2019re easier to move and guide into the proper positions. Phase 1 orthodontics uses several different types of removable oral appliances that are worn at night. Depending on what your child needs, the appliance may shift teeth into place, realign the jaws, or help maintain the proper shape of their mouth. Some appliances can help with curbing thumb-sucking, which can influence how your child\u2019s teeth and jaws develop. After about a year of Phase 1 orthodontics, your child will have another orthodontic evaluation to see if any follow-up treatments such as Phase 2 orthodontics are needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does My Child Need Phase 1 Orthodontics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all children need pediatric orthodontics, so the only way to tell for sure if your child needs Phase 1 treatment is to have them evaluated by an orthodontist. You should also make an orthodontic appointment for your child if you\u2019re concerned about their:<\/p>\n\n\n\n