Early Orthodontics
Skilled Phase 1 Orthodontics in Irving
As a parent, you want your child to enjoy the benefits of a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. However, disturbances in jaw and tooth development can happen early in your child's life between the ages of 6 and 9, and it's crucial you take a proactive approach to their dental development. At Irving Orthodontics, we're proud to provide dependable phase 1 orthodontics that diagnose, prevent, and correct dental irregularities in children.
You can rest assured that Dr. Matthew Schofield and his talented staff will work to make your child's time in the exam chair as relaxing and stress-free as possible. We focus on getting to know your child personally and listening to their concerns to help them feel more comfortable when visiting our practice. From preventing bite issues to fixing stuck permanent teeth, we're here to meet your child's routine and complex orthodontic needs. Call or visit our office today to schedule your child's free consultation appointment and give them the Irving orthodontic treatment they deserve!
CALL US: (972) 608-3687 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Phase 1 orthodontics, or interceptive orthodontics, is an orthodontic treatment that takes place while your child still has their baby teeth. Typically, phase 1 orthodontics is used to prepare your child for phase 2 orthodontics, which starts between 11 and 15 years old. In many cases, children who go through phase 1 orthodontics minimize the need for traditional braces or clear aligners.
When you bring your child in for their initial appointment, Dr. Schofield and his team will conduct an extensive oral exam. Using x-ray technology, we'll look at your child's teeth, gums, and jawbones to determine if phase 1 orthodontics would be the right option for them. Your child may need treatment if they have:
- Crooked or gapped teeth
- Dramatically protruded teeth
- Habits that may affect their teeth, like thumb sucking
- Speaking issues because of their teeth
- Problems breathing comfortably
- Jaws that are disproportionate
- Incoming permanent teeth that are obstructed by baby teeth
Creating Your Child's Personalized Treatment Plan
Once our dentist has determined that our Irving phase 1 orthodontics are right for your child's smile, we'll work to create their personalized treatment plan. Your child's plan will outline what services we think would be best for them as well as how we'll approach them. You can rest assured that our office prioritizes non-invasive orthodontic solutions as part of phase 1. Our team is also more than happy to adjust your son or daughter's plan at any time to reflect changes to their smile's development or your financial situation.
One of the most recommended phase 1 treatments is a palate expander. A palate expander is a dental appliance that helps widen the root of your child's mouth or palate. It also applies a gentle, steady force that slowly widens your child's jaw over time. Through moderate use, it allows our dentist more room to move your child's teeth around to address overcrowding and other dental issues.
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
If you have any questions about our orthodontic treatment services, our team is here for you. We'll take the time to answer your questions and address any of your concerns. Our goal is always to help ensure you and your child feel confident in our treatment recommendations. Some of the most frequently asked questions about our Irving phase 1 orthodontics include:
Are palate expanders uncomfortable?
Like any oral appliance, it's normal for your child to feel slight discomfort for the first few days of wearing it. However, the more your child wears their appliance, the more comfortable they'll feel. We may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help your son or daughter manage their discomfort.
How long does phase 1 orthodontics take to complete?
It all depends on the severity of your child's dental irregularities. Our dentist will work with you to determine the duration of treatment, however, it's normal for patients to complete it in under 12 months.
At what age should I bring my child in to be seen?
We recommend that you bring your child in to be seen by Dr. Schofield by age 8. It's important to remember that the earlier you have your child examined by a dental professional, the quicker we can detect anomalies and provide orthodontic intervention.
Quality Irving Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment
At Irving Orthodontics, we're passionate about helping children get the healthy and straight smiles they deserve. That's why our office offers quality phase 1 orthodontic treatment to patients ages 6 to 9. You can breathe easy knowing that we'll closely monitor your child's smile and provide appropriate orthodontic intervention, like palate expanders. Reach out to us today to schedule your son or daughter's free consultation examination and discover the benefits of our Irving orthodontic treatment!
CALL US: (972) 608-3687 REQUEST APPOINTMENT