Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics – Ludlow, MA
Setting Your Child’s Grin on the Right Path
If you had the chance to reduce or even eliminate the risk that your child will have severe orthodontic problems in the future, would you take it? With Phase 1 pediatric orthodontics, you can do exactly that! Dental alignment issues are more easily addressed while a child’s teeth and jaws are still developing. That’s why Dr. Sam Alkhoury recommends bringing your child to Ludlow Orthodontics for a detailed exam by the time they reach the age of seven; orthodontic concerns are more easily detectable and treatable at this age. Get in touch with our orthodontic office to schedule this visit to learn more about phase 1 pediatric orthodontics in Ludlow, MA!
Why Choose Ludlow Orthodontics for Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics?
- Dedicated to Helping the Ludlow Community
- Experienced, Patient, & Gentle Orthodontist
What Is Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics?
Simply put, Phase 1 pediatric orthodontics aims to prevent dental misalignment, bite problems, overcrowding, and other common orthodontic concerns as early as possible. When such treatments are completed at a young age, the child’s mouth should have sufficient room for their permanent teeth to erupt properly, minimizing the risk of future complications. Once your son or daughter has turned seven years old, we highly suggest that you schedule an exam with Dr. Alkhoury. He can evaluate the growth patterns in your child’s teeth and jaws and identify any potential problems.
What Kind of Treatments Are Involved in Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics?
Phase 1 orthodontic treatments rarely take as long as more conventional solutions like braces do. Although your child’s treatment plan may entail wearing braces, it will likely be for a significantly shorter time than in most other cases. In fact, the average Phase 1 treatment only lasts between nine and twelve months.
Depending on the specific ways we need to adjust your child’s teeth and/or jaws, Phase 1 treatment may involve orthodontic headgear, palatal expanders, space maintainers, or specialized retainers, to name a few of our most common options.
What Are the Benefits of Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics?
If Dr. Alkhoury finds that your child could benefit from early orthodontic intervention, you’ll soon learn that pursuing this treatment is a wise choice; dental problems are much easier to fix the earlier they’re detected. One advantage of Phase 1 treatment is that we can create more space in your child’s mouth for their teeth to erupt without becoming crowded or impacted. Additionally, we may be able to help your son or daughter avoid speech difficulties that are often the result of early orthodontic problems. Overall, Phase 1 orthodontics is the best way to ensure that your child’s smile grows up to be happier and healthier.
Phase 1 Orthodontics FAQs
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Painful?
Rest assured, the placement of the appliance itself won’t hurt. In the hours and days following, your child may feel some pain and discomfort but – don’t worry – it’s only temporary. Plus, there are several things you can do to alleviate symptoms like these even sooner, like putting dental wax over any sharp pieces, using cold compresses for 10 minutes at a time, and giving them over-the-counter pain medication for children.
Does Phase 1 Orthodontics Affect Diet & Nutrition?
The answer depends largely on the appliance. After all, if your child has a removable one, then they don’t need to adjust their diet. If they have braces or a palate expander, however, then it’s crucial that they avoid certain foods, like whole apples, raw nuts, and crunchy vegetables. Instead, stick to softer foods, like cooked carrots, mac and cheese, plain yogurt, oatmeal, soup, and applesauce.
How Long Does Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment Last?
Typically, Phase 1 orthodontic treatment lasts between 9 and 12 months. Of course, it’s possible for your child’s treatment to fall outside of that timeframe. At their initial consultation, we will assess the severity of their case, make sure their teeth and gums are healthy, and determine which appliance is best for them. With all of this information, we can create a custom treatment plan and provide you with an estimate of their treatment timeline.
Is it Okay for a Child to Play Sports While Wearing Braces?
Good news: Phase 1 orthodontic treatment doesn’t require your child to stop playing sports. In fact, they can continue to play even as they transition to traditional braces (if that’s part of their treatment plan). All we ask is that they wear a custom mouthguard to keep both their teeth and their appliance protected from unforeseen impact, like a bad fall.
What Changes Should My Child Make While Wearing Braces?
As mentioned above, it’s important that your child’s diet consists of mostly soft, nutrient-dense foods and that they wear a mouthguard if they participate in sports. Outside of that, help them adopt a good oral hygiene regimen – starting with brushing for two full minutes each morning and extending to flossing each night before bed. That way, cavities don’t develop during their orthodontic treatment, requiring their teeth-straightening and bite-aligning journey to be put on hold temporarily.
Is Phase 1 Orthodontics Covered by Insurance?
Although every dental insurance plan is different, many do cover a portion of the cost. So, if your child needs Phase 1 orthodontics, don’t hesitate to provide us with your membership information! We’re proud to be in-network with many leading PPO dental plans, and we offer other financial solutions for patients who are uninsured, including periodic special offers. Simply put, if you have any questions for our Ludlow team about the cost, don’t hesitate to let us know – we can help.
