Early Orthodontic Treatment Houston, TX
Younger children sometimes show signs of an orthodontic issue. It is important to consider possible orthodontic options for smaller patients. Phase 1 orthodontics are early orthodontics treatment options for juveniles who do not have their permanent adult teeth yet.
Early orthodontics are available at Hermann Park Smiles in Houston and the surrounding area. The providers at our office can evaluate young children for potential orthodontic issues. Early intervention may benefit children who may have complex bite or orthodontic issues and prevent more extensive dental treatments later on.
Child orthodontics treatment may require a two-phased approach, starting as early as age 7 to correct some issues. Our team can help you determine if your child needs early orthodontic treatment. Call us at (713) 522-1717 to find out if your child should be evaluated for early orthodontics treatment.
Early Orthodontic Problems and Their Causes
When children still have their baby teeth, they may show signs of needing early orthodontic interventions to correct certain problems. Children with extra teeth or exceptionally crowded teeth may be candidates for early treatment. Teeth that are excessively spaced out may also be a sign that early orthodontics could be beneficial.
Besides the spacing and positioning of the teeth, early orthodontics may also benefit children with bite problems. An underbite, where the lower teeth jut out further from the upper teeth, and a crossbite, where the jaw appears to shift to the side, may be successfully treated with early orthodontics. Genetics is the most common reason why a young child may have a bite problem, but some of these problems may be linked to thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or bottle use.
“When children still have their baby teeth, they may show signs of needing early orthodontic interventions to correct certain problems.”
Phase 1 of Treatment
During phase 1 treatment, the orthodontist may use a variety of dental appliances to help align the patient's teeth. Phase 1 treatment usually occurs when the child still has their baby teeth. There are also some early orthodontics treatments that use braces during phase 1.
The orthodontist may use space maintainers or spacers to help space out crowded teeth. Expanders are also used during some phase 1 treatment plans to help gently expand the palate. Phase 1 treatment may also consist of appliances such as headgear, retainers, and braces to guide the jawbone and permanent teeth growth into a better position.
“Phase 1 treatment may also consist of appliances such as headgear, retainers, and braces to guide the jawbone and permanent teeth growth into a better position.”
Treatment Timeline
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should see an orthodontist by age 7. Phase 1 orthodontics typically begins around age 6 and up to age 9. This treatment phase may last between nine and 18 months, depending on the severity and specifics of the child's bite or teeth alignment problems.
“This treatment phase may last between nine and 18 months, depending on the severity and specifics of the child’s bite or teeth alignment problems.”
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Moving Onto Phase 2 of Treatment
After completing phase 1, the next step is phase 2 orthodontic treatment. Hermann Park Smiles carefully evaluates each patient's progress during phase 1 before transitioning to the next step. Here is what happens during phase 2 of an early orthodontic treatment plan:
- Resting. Some patients may need to enter a resting phase before starting phase 2. During this step, the patient may need to only wear a retainer and have monitoring appointments. When the teeth are in the resting stage, the orthodontist will not place new dental appliances or braces.
- Straightening. Then, the child is ready for braces. Our staff places the wires, bands, and brackets onto the child’s teeth during an appointment. This stage may take between 12 and 24 months.
- Monitoring. Throughout the phase 2 treatment, the patient must come in for regular monitoring appointments. During an appointment, the dental provider will check the patient’s progress and may make adjustments. Once treatment is done, the orthodontist may recommend wearing a retainer to keep the teeth in alignment.
“Some patients may need to enter a resting phase before starting phase 2.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What causes early orthodontic problems?
Q. What happens during phase 1 of treatment?
Q. What are the phases of treatment?
Q. What happens during phase 2 of treatment?
Q. When should phase 2 be postponed?
Q. What are the signs a child needs early orthodontics?
Q. What happens at an early orthodontic evaluation?
Q. Should we start early or wait for braces?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces?
When To Postpone Treatment Until Phase 2
While a two-phased approach to orthodontics can benefit many cases, some patients may be fine skipping phase 1. If the child has already lost most of their baby teeth, it may be better to opt for phase 2 treatment only. Additionally, there are some patients with minor problems that may not need extensive phase 1 intervention.
“If the child has already lost most of their baby teeth, it may be better to opt for phase 2 treatment only.”
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontics in Houston
Parents usually notice something before anyone mentions orthodontics. Teeth that look crowded, a gap that seems too wide, or a bite that does not line up when the mouth is closed. Any of these is a reason to have a child evaluated, even while the baby teeth are still in place.
The signs we look for at Hermann Park Smiles include:
- Crowding or extra teeth. Teeth that overlap, twist, or have nowhere to come in.
- Wide spacing. Gaps that are larger than the normal spacing between baby teeth.
- Underbite. The lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
- Crossbite. The jaw appears to shift to one side when the child bites down.
- Habits. Thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or bottle use past the usual age can push teeth and the developing jaw out of position.
Genetics is the most common reason a young child has a bite problem, so a parent or sibling who needed braces is itself a reason to check early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7, which is when the first adult molars and front teeth have usually come in and the bite can be assessed.
Our office on Almeda Road in Houston, TX 77004 sees children for these evaluations alongside their regular kid-friendly dental visits, so an early orthodontics check can happen at the same appointment as a checkup.
What an Early Orthodontic Evaluation at Hermann Park Smiles Involves
An early orthodontics evaluation is a look at how the teeth and jaws are developing, not a commitment to treatment. The provider checks the bite, the spacing, which baby teeth are still in place, and where the adult teeth are coming in. Parents get a clear answer to one question: does this child benefit from phase 1 treatment now, or is it better to monitor and wait?
When phase 1 makes sense, the plan uses the appliances described above. Spacers open room between teeth, an expander gently widens the palate so the adult teeth have space, and headgear, retainers, or braces guide the jaw and the permanent teeth into a better position. Phase 1 usually runs between nine and 18 months, with monitoring appointments every four to eight weeks so the provider can check progress and make adjustments.
When treatment is not needed yet, the child is monitored at regular checkups until the adult teeth are in and a decision about phase 2 can be made. Either way, nothing is placed in a child's mouth without the parent understanding why it is there and how long it stays.
Early Orthodontics vs Waiting for Braces
Not every child needs a two-phase approach. A child who has already lost most of their baby teeth is usually better served by phase 2 alone, and minor alignment problems often do not need phase 1 at all. The case for early treatment is strongest with bite problems such as an underbite or crossbite, severe crowding, or a habit that is still shaping the jaw, because those are the problems that get harder to correct once growth is finished.
For older children and teens, the choice is usually between traditional braces and clear aligners. Our pages on Invisalign vs traditional braces and whether Invisalign Teen is right for your child cover that decision. Phase 2 with braces typically takes 12 to 24 months, followed by a retainer to hold the result.
Questions about cost are normal. The price of early orthodontic treatment depends on the appliances used and how long phase 1 runs, so we quote after the evaluation. Hermann Park Smiles accepts PPO insurance and offers payment plans; our financing options page lists each plan and what it covers. Call (713) 522-1717 to book an early orthodontics evaluation for your child in Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontic Treatment
Q. Why is age 7 the magic number for child orthodontics?
A. At age 6 or 7, children still have most of their baby teeth. According to the American Dental Association, most children this age also have their permanent two front teeth and first adult molars. These adult teeth are key in determining a child's bite and evaluating their teeth alignment.
Q. How often should children go to appointments for an early orthodontics treatment plan?
A. During the phase 1 treatment stage, children may have to come to the office for appointments every four to eight weeks. These regular monitoring appointments are necessary to check progress. After the child transitions to phase 2, there will still be a need to attend regular monitoring and adjustment appointments.
Q. How is an expander used in phase 1 orthodontics?
A. An expander is a dental appliance used in orthodontic treatment to enlarge the palate structure. This helps make more room for the adult teeth and phase 2 treatment. Children may be fitted with upper or lower palate expanders in their mouth for a series of weeks or months.
Q. What are spacers during early orthodontics?
A. Some patients may need spacers during the first few months of early orthodontics treatment. Spacers are small bands that are placed between the teeth to help open up the space for future dental appliances. Rubber spacers may be worn for a week or two, and metal spacers for longer.
Q. What are some post-procedure care steps for early orthodontics?
A. Since early orthodontic treatment is a multi-stage process, there may be several instances of post-procedure care. After children get an expander, dental appliance, or braces, there may be a period of time with some minor discomfort. The orthodontist may also provide instructions about temporary diet modifications a few hours after treatment.
Q. What is early orthodontic treatment?
A. Early orthodontic treatment, also called phase 1 orthodontics, is treatment for children who still have some of their baby teeth. It uses appliances such as spacers, expanders, retainers, or braces to guide jaw growth and make room for the adult teeth, so that any later treatment is shorter and simpler.
Q. At what age should my child have an early orthodontics evaluation in Houston?
A. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7. Phase 1 treatment, when it is needed, typically begins between ages 6 and 9. Hermann Park Smiles evaluates children at our Houston office, often during a regular checkup.
Q. How long does early orthodontic treatment take?
A. Phase 1 usually lasts between nine and 18 months, depending on the bite or alignment problem being corrected. Some children then have a resting period with a retainer before phase 2, which typically takes 12 to 24 months with braces.
Q. Does every child need phase 1 orthodontics?
A. No. A child who has already lost most of their baby teeth is usually better served by phase 2 alone, and minor problems often do not need phase 1. Early treatment is most useful for bite problems such as an underbite or crossbite, severe crowding, or habits that are still shaping the jaw.
Q. How much does early orthodontic treatment cost in Houston?
A. The cost depends on which appliances are used and how long phase 1 runs, so we quote after the evaluation. Hermann Park Smiles accepts PPO insurance and offers payment plans. Call (713) 522-1717 to book an evaluation.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us To Find Out More
To get your child evaluated for possible early orthodontics treatment, call us today at 713-522-1717. Not every child is a candidate for a two-phased treatment, and only an orthodontist can determine the proper course of action. In Houston we provide complete orthodontic services for all phases of treatment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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