Phase 1 Orthodontics – Glen Ellyn, IL

Promoting Your Child’s Oral Development

Child with braces smiling on gray background

Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name – phase 1 orthodontics in Glen Ellyn is a positive treatment that will ultimately benefit your child’s oral development. By addressing minor alignment issues early, our team can help your kiddo avoid needing more extensive intervention in the future or possibly eliminate the need for braces entirely! You can contact our team to learn more, or continue reading for a brief overview of phase 1 orthodontics.

How Phase 1 Orthodontics Works

Child with braces in patient’s chair smiles at a handheld mirror

First, our pediatric dentists will closely examine your child’s mouth either as part of a routine checkup and cleaning or during a more specialized appointment. Using X-rays and their professional training, they’ll see how evenly your child’s teeth line-up and how straight new pearly whites might emerge later. Depending on their findings, they may recommend braces or another type of orthodontic appliance designed to help reduce dental crowding, large gaps between teeth, crooked alignments, or other similar issues. As their early-intervention orthodontics gently move their teeth into more ideal positions, your child’s oral structure should grow and adapt accordingly.

Ultimately, the goal of phase 1 orthodontics is to set your child’s smile up for success!

Who is a Good Candidate for Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Child holding her hand over her face and smiling with braces

Children who are good candidates for phase 1 orthodontics might still have all or some of their baby teeth, in addition to:

  • Pearly whites that are packed too closely together
  • Wide gaps between one or more teeth
  • Teeth that are crooked or protrude at odd angles
  • Difficulties speaking due to dental alignment
  • Poor bite or jaw positions
  • Sleep breathing issues that result from unideal dental or jaw alignments

After we get a good look at your child’s mouth, we’ll be able to tell you whether phase 1 orthodontics is right for them.

The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics

Child with braces at her school desk listens attentively

Naturally, the main benefits of children’s orthodontics are that they can treat existing issues and help prevent symptoms from worsening in the future. Thanks to early intervention, your kiddo will be able to:

  • Enjoy a perfectly straight smile and even bite
  • Potentially avoid needing braces later
  • Brush and floss their teeth more effectively
  • Feel more comfortable when their bite is at rest
  • Eat their favorite foods without issue and speak more clearly