Early orthodontic treatment is designed to guide jaw growth and prevent future dental problems in children.
Phase 1 Orthodontics is recommended while your child still has a mix of primary and permanent teeth. Rather than just aligning teeth, this early stage focuses on guiding proper jaw growth and supporting airway development before more complex issues can take root.
By using specialized appliances or early braces, we can address structural concerns as your child grows—often reducing the need for more invasive procedures during the teenage years. While baby teeth are temporary, they serve as essential guides for permanent teeth and play a vital role in how your child eats, speaks, and breathes.
Our goal is to ensure long-term functional balance and facial harmony, providing a foundation for Phase 2 treatment if it becomes necessary once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Early treatment that supports healthy growth and helps prevent more complex orthodontic issues later.
Phase 1 Orthodontics focuses on guiding proper jaw growth and creating essential space for permanent teeth. By addressing these structural needs early, we can reduce crowding and improve facial harmony before growth is complete.
By identifying and correcting structural concerns during this proactive stage, we can often shorten or simplify the orthodontic care required during the teenage years. This "early insight" is designed to prevent more complex complications as your child matures.
Correcting early bite issues does more than align teeth; it supports proper breathing and airway development. Improving the functional balance of the mouth enhances how your child eats and speaks, contributing to their overall daily comfort and long-term health.
Flexible insurance and financing options make quality orthodontic treatment affordable for every family.
In-network with most major plans.
Low monthly payment options.
We believe every child deserves a functional, healthy bite. Our team is here to help you find a payment plan that makes specialized orthodontic treatment possible.
While the placement of the appliance is painless, it is normal for soreness and discomfort to arise in the days afterward. The good news is that it’s only temporary. Plus, there are several ways you can alleviate symptoms like these even sooner, like using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, eating only extremely soft foods, and taking OTC pain medication for kids as directed.
The majority of the time, yes. Just make sure that they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth, gums, and braces from harm. If they don’t have one already, let us know! We can have a custom one made that fits comfortably and is the appropriate thickness for the sport they play.
Some dental insurance providers do cover a portion of the cost, yes. So, if you are insured, it’s worth looking through the fine print on your plan! Our team at Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics would be happy to assist with this process as well, so don’t hesitate to provide us with your membership information. That way, we can take a look at the fine print, review your available benefits, and provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses.
Important reminder: If you don’t have dental insurance, that’s okay – that’s not the only financial solution available! We also welcome flexible financing with CareCredit and offer periodic specials so the cost of Phase 1 Orthodontics in Heath & Mt. Vernon can fit comfortably into just about every budget.
There are several factors that play a role in the answer, including the complexity of your child’s case. With that said, the average treatment timeline for Phase 1 Orthodontics is 9-12 months. When you and your little one visit our office, we can provide a more precise estimate and share what to do (as well as what NOT to do) to avoid frustrating delays.
There are a few adjustments that need to be made to their day-to-day routine, starting with avoiding crunchy and sticky foods, like hard pretzels and caramel-filled candies. They also need to be diligent about brushing twice a day, flossing every night before bed, and keeping their appliance clean. That way, they don’t develop tooth decay or any other oral health problems during their orthodontic treatment.
Do your child’s teeth crowd together to the point that they overlap? Are their emerging adult teeth being obstructed by their baby teeth? Are they having difficulty enunciating clearly? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then they may benefit from Phase 1 Orthodontics! Of course, the only way to know for certain is by scheduling a consultation at our office. That way, we can learn more about your concerns, complete a comprehensive oral exam, and determine if this orthodontic treatment would be beneficial!
