Family-Friendly Phase 1 Orthodontics in the Western Suburbs
As a parent, you want to give your child every advantage, and that includes a healthy, happy smile. Early orthodontic treatment (also called Phase 1 treatment) allows our experienced orthodontists to evaluate how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and guide their growth at just the right time.
At Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, our family-friendly team creates a calm, comfortable experience for kids and parents alike. Whether you visit us in Minnetonka, Wayzata, or Excelsior, you’ll find a welcoming, fun environment for you and your family. We take time to explain everything clearly, answer your questions, and build a treatment plan tailored specifically to your child’s needs.
Let’s make sure your child’s smile is developing beautifully. Schedule an appointment at our Minnetonka, Wayzata, or Excelsior office today.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Phase 1 orthodontics — or early treatment — is designed to help young children who still have some or all of their primary teeth. The goal is to intercept a potential orthodontic issue as it develops, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and create enough space for incoming permanent teeth.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children visit the orthodontist by age 7. By this age, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and jaws.
The three most common types of early interceptive orthodontic treatment are: palatal expanders, partial braces, or a retainer. Although treatment at an early age may not be necessary, orthodontic monitoring allows us to plan the ideal timeline for effective treatment and prevent serious problems from occurring. Our orthodontic monitoring appointments are scheduled every 6 to 12 months and are provided free of charge.
What Are the Benefits
of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment has major advantages. Some of them include:
- Reducing the need for later tooth removal
- Guiding jaw growth and correcting bite issues
- Preventing erupting teeth from becoming crowded
- Preserving space for permanent teeth to erupt
- Reducing future orthodontic treatment time
- Ensuring proper chewing and biting
- Nixing poor oral habits, like thumb sucking or tongue thrust
- Preventing or intercepting developing skeletal problems (this is often the best way to fix an underbite, severe overbite, crossbite, or other jaw-related concerns)
- Reducing the risk of protruding front teeth breaking or chipping
- Minimizing the need for corrective jaw surgery or extractions
- Helping with speech and breathing
- Creating facial symmetry and improving appearance
What Problems Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Address?
There are many orthodontic problems that are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in. However, early treatment can be in a patient’s best interests if their problem could become more serious over time if left untreated.
Here are some conditions that can be helped by interceptive orthodontic treatment:
- Underbites – when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
- Thumb-, finger-, or pacifier- sucking that is affecting the teeth or jaw growth
- Crossbites – when the top teeth are inside of the lower ones
- Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
- Extra or missing teeth
After an initial check-up, there are generally three potential outcomes: the first is that no treatment is expected to be necessary. The second, is that there are potential trouble spots that need monitoring and may need treatment in the future. The third is that there is a problem that needs immediate correction with early treatment.
Our orthodontists can help determine the best course of action and make a plan to monitor development to ensure your child gets the right treatment for their needs.
Is My Child a Candidate for Early Treatment?
While visiting an orthodontist is the best way to determine if your child needs early orthodontic treatment, there are some common signs to look out for, including:
- Overcrowded or Crooked Teeth
- Mouth Breathing
- Issues Chewing
- Abnormal Tooth Loss
- Finger/Thumb Sucking
- Difficulty Speaking
In some cases, treatment may not be necessary just yet, but a proper evaluation from an experienced orthodontist can help give you peace of mind.
Give Your Child the Best Start With Phase 1 Orthodontics
At Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, we believe early treatment should feel reassuring, not overwhelming. Our experienced team is here to walk you through every step in a relaxed, family-friendly environment that kids actually enjoy visiting. With three convenient locations in Minnetonka, Wayzata, or Excelsior, expert care is always close to home.
If your child is around age 7 or older and hasn’t had an orthodontic evaluation yet, now is the perfect time. Early screenings don’t always mean early treatment, but they do provide peace of mind and a proactive plan if needed. Schedule an appointment to find out more about our early treatment options today!