If your child’s baby teeth are crooked or crowded, or if their permanent teeth are erupting abnormally, they may benefit from pediatric orthodontics. Caring and skilled board-certified orthodontist Neker Bernuy, DDS, and his team at Bernuy Orthodontic Specialist in Austin and Georgetown, Texas, provide Phase I and Phase II orthodontics for children starting at age seven. If you notice that your child’s teeth are crooked, or if they have trouble talking or swallowing, pediatric orthodontics.
Pediatric Orthodontics Q & A
What is pediatric orthodontics? Pediatric orthodontics is an orthodontic treatment that intervenes early in your child’s development to prevent severe functional problems with their teeth and jaws. Pediatric orthodontics focuses on function, not aesthetics. It aims to fix such issues as:
- Crowded teeth
- Small or narrow palate
- Narrowed jaw
- Facial symmetry
- Thumb sucking
- Tongue thrusting
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
Phase 1 pediatric orthodontics starts while your child still has most of their baby teeth, usually around 6-9 years old. In some cases, they may need to start earlier. The goal of Phase 1 orthodontics is to aid in the normal development of your child’s jaw, face, and teeth. Your provider may expand their palate to make room for erupting teeth or change the shape of their jaw to allow for better speech and digestion. What appliances are used for Phase I pediatric orthodontics? At Bernuy Orthodontic Specialist, we recommend orthodontic appliances based on your child’s unique needs. Some choices include: MyoBrace
- Rapid Palatal Expander
- Space Maintainer
- Tongue Crib
- Upper Braces
- Headgear
Treatments usually last between 9-12 months. How do I know if my child needs Phase 1 treatment? The American Association of Orthodontists advises children to undergo a first evaluation with an orthodontist before they turn seven years old. Dr. Bernuy examines their bite and jaw development and evaluates how well their back molars have erupted to determine if erupted, in adolescence or early adolescence. At this stage, your provider can correct mostly aesthetic issues, as well as those that affect the function of your child’s teeth and jaws. If your child previously underwent Phase 1 correction, their Phase 2 treatment will probably be shorter than that of their peers. In Phase 2 treatment, they usually can choose from more traditional orthodontic appliances, including traditional braces and clear aligners. Don’t wait until your child’s permanent teeth have erupted before considering orthodontic treatment. Get early intervention to help their face and teeth grow most healthfully by scheduling a pediatric orthodontics consultation by phone or online at Bernuy Orthodontic Specialist today.