Prosper & Melissa Phase 1 Orthodontics

Braces for Our Younger Patients

As your child is developing, some changes can be made at an earlier age that cannot be made at a later age. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommend that a child is evaluated as early as the age of 7 to determine if the teeth and bones are developing properly.

At an initial consultation for Phase I early orthodontic treatments, we will examine the child's teeth and jaw relationships for abnormalities in bite, growth, and spacing.

Indications for Phase 1 treatment include:

• Thumb or finger habits
• Mouth breathing habits
• Speech issues
• Tongue thrust
• Chewing and/or biting difficulties
• Crowding of baby teeth
• Cross bite: upper jaw is on the inside of the lower jaw
• Underbite: lower jaw is in front of upper jaw
• Protruding upper teeth: upper teeth are pushed out from lower teeth or lower jaw is far back from upper jaw
• Upper and lower teeth do not meet

If you would like to learn more about Phase I treatment and appliances, please call (972) 934-6222 to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Bietsch.

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Dr. Bietsch recommends that patients be seen by the age of 7 to be sure the bones and teeth are developing properly. Intervening at this time allows him to modify skeletal growth and tooth eruption to improve the child's overall facial balance, skeletal relationship, and minimize the chances of removing permanent teeth or jaw surgery in the future.

Your child may not show any signs or have multiple problems that may need to be addressed. At our office, we can start the process early to help avoid more aggressive, invasive treatments such as jaw surgery or longer time in braces.

What to Expect

During Phase I, you can expect that our orthodontic team will be laying the footwork for your child's orthodontic future by making room for the permanent teeth to come in and help correct the framework of the jaw's growth and bite alignment. Phase 1 with orthodontic appliances can be as short as 6 months or last up to 18 months. Baby teeth can continue to fall out and permanent teeth can erupt during this process.

Each Phase 1 treatment looks different for each child. Your child will have a customized treatment plan addressing any concerns that were discussed to give him or her a healthy smile and bite.

Upon completion of Phase 1 treatment, retainers are given to hold correction and allow the rest of the permanent teeth to develop and erupt. Dr. Bietsch will continue to monitor growth and development and determine if Phase II will be necessary to correct the remainder of the teeth that have erupted.

Let’s Get Started Today!

Whether your child has a genetic predisposition to orthodontic problems, has a habit of thumb-sucking, or has developed abnormalities in the growth of the jaw; getting your child in a routine of good oral hygiene practices (brushing their teeth after meals, flossing the teeth, and using mouthwash) is always a good idea to maintain the best oral health.

Bietsch Orthodontics can help decide how to best treat these problems at an early age. We are a compassionate team, ready to help your child with Phase I treatment. Dr. Bietsch and our orthodontic team members will be gentle and caring with your child and will always explain what is going on during the appointments to him or her while laying down the footwork for effective, corrective care.

We look forward to meeting you and your child at your complimentary consultation in our offices in Prosper & Melissa, TX. Call (972) 934-6222 today!