Phase 1 Orthodontics – Riverton, WY
Improving Oral Growth and Development
At Children’s Dentistry of Central Wyoming, we want young smiles to remain healthy as they grow. When children as young as 6 start experiencing issues related to their bite and jaw, it’s important to seek professional treatment before the situation worsens. Without Phase 1 Orthodontics in Central Wyoming, they may require complex procedures in the future to ensure a functional, healthy smile. Call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paulson today if you think your child might need further examination.
How Phase 1 Orthodontics Works
Phase 1 Orthodontics addresses early issues related to your child’s jaw and bite alignment and function. When the right appliances are used to interrupt improper growth, it reduces your child’s chances of developing overcrowded or impacted teeth, as well as TMJ pain, poor facial positioning, and enamel erosion.
This type of treatment may be helpful if you notice that your child has a speech impediment due to their dental development, their teeth do not come together correctly, they breathe through their mouth, they have protruding teeth, or they practiced thumb-sucking early on, which altered their tooth and bite development.
Dr. Paulson may use palatal expanders, space maintainers, or other similar appliances to minimize these risks so that your child’s upper and lower jaws, teeth, and facial structures grow and develop without issue.
Who is a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?
If you are unsure whether your child is a good candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics, have them examined by Dr. Paulson and our team. This includes a complete evaluation of their bite, tooth alignment, and jaw. If there is a history of poor jaw and bite positioning in your family, your child will likely be at a higher risk.
If you notice any of the following signs, do not wait to schedule an appointment with our dental team:
- Children with gapped teeth
- Children who have difficulty speaking
- Children with sleep breathing issues (mouth breathing)
- Children with a disproportionate jaw
The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
During your child’s consultation, you can expect us to discuss the benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics, but if you want an early introduction to the kind of advantages this treatment offers, here are a few to consider:
- Treatment addresses issues early on while their mouth is still developing
- It minimizes your child’s risk of developing serious oral and overall health issues later in life
- It makes it easier for your child to speak, eat, and smile confidently and comfortably
- It reduces the amount of time your child will need to wear braces in the future (if they need full braces)
- It makes it easier for your child to breathe easily in their sleep