In our last blog, we explained how space maintainers can prevent your child’s teeth from shifting out of place if a tooth is lost prematurely. This helpful tool can reduce the chance of severe misalignment problems in the future. Other steps may be taken during Phase One to help ensure your little one’s smile is developing properly. Today, your Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics team in NY will explore what happens during this phase.
Developing An Oral Hygiene Routine For Your Child
Before orthodontic care can start, it is important that your kid has a proper oral hygiene routine. If they do not care for their smile, it can affect the growth and development of it and may delay the process. Make sure to teach your little one how to properly brush and floss starting at a young age. You will need to supervise this routine until they are confident in it themselves. Regular checkups for kids can start around the age of three years old. These cleanings and examinations can help keep your child cavity-free and healthy.
Identifying Smile Concerns Early
You can bring your child in for their first orthodontic consultation around the age of seven years old. This may seem early, but by this time many of their baby tooth will have come out making it a great time to see development concerns. When they come in for their consultation, the team may take X-rays and other images to create a baseline for orthodontic care. Space maintainers, expanders, and retainers may be used during this process to help guide the growth of their jaw. This can help ensure there will be enough room to space out their teeth. When it is time to start the straightening process, we will help walk your child through these steps. We offer traditional braces for younger patients because this process is monitored closely by the orthodontist.
Seeking Treatment As An Adult
If you are an adult patient starting orthodontic treatment for the first time, you will not need to go through phase one. Instead, you will come in for a consultation to identify your smile concerns. Misalignment in adults may lead to feelings of self-consciousness and even oral health problems because it can be difficult to thoroughly clean between your teeth. To address these concerns, clear braces or Invisalign can be used. These options are more discreet than traditional braces, so you can feel secure in your appearance throughout treatment. We also offer second opinions and transfer cases if you need to change dentists in the middle of this process. We will help make this process run as smooth as possible, so it does not affect your treatment time.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Phase one treatment can help prevent many problems in the future. To get started with this treatment or to learn more, call Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatrics in NY today at 631.399.1600.
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