{"id":643,"date":"2021-02-22T15:51:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T15:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.washingtondentalnj.com\/blog\/?p=643"},"modified":"2021-02-22T15:51:00","modified_gmt":"2021-02-22T15:51:00","slug":"phase-one-orthodontics-and-knowing-if-your-child-is-ready-for-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.washingtondentalnj.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/22\/phase-one-orthodontics-and-knowing-if-your-child-is-ready-for-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Child Ready for Phase I Orthodontics?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If your child is at least 7 years old, it is recommended that they visit an orthodontist for a consultation. Because their jaw and teeth are continuing to develop, bite misalignment and\/or tooth impaction can occur, resulting in the need for more complex and serious procedures in the future (i.e., tooth extraction, jaw surgery). If you believe your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment, a dentist explains what signs to look for that might make them eligible for Phase I Orthodontics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Phase I Orthodontics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Phase I Orthodontics is designed for young children as a way to mitigate future jaw development issues that can lead to more serious problems down the road. Because they do not have their permanent teeth yet, it may be that their mouth is too narrow for proper tooth eruption, making it more likely for them to become impacted. Also, if a child sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier for too long, it can cause changes to their jaw and facial structure, resulting in improper bite alignment and the potential for speech difficulties and asymmetrical facial features.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By guiding and monitoring their jaw development, a dentist can create additional space within the mouth for proper tooth eruption, improve facial symmetry and their ability to breathe freely, reduce their risk for an overbite as well as possible extractions later on, and minimize any future time spent wearing braces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Signs to Watch For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all children experience difficulty with the growth and development of their jaw, teeth, and facial structure; however, should you notice that your child is experiencing one or more of the following problems, make sure to schedule an appointment for them to see an orthodontist as soon as possible:<\/p>\n\n\n\n