Importance of Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment (Interceptive Orthodontics)

Phase 1 Orthodontics, also called interceptive orthodontic treatment or interceptive orthodontics, is an early intervention approach designed to address dental issues in children between the ages of five and nine.

Orthodontic Phase 1 treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth, correcting bite issues, improving facial aesthetics, and creating proper alignment to prepare for a beautiful set of permanent teeth. 

Through interceptive orthodontics, we can intercept problematic orthodontic conditions before they progress to more serious issues in the near future. 

Is Phase 1 orthodontics necessary?

If orthodontic treatment is needed, interceptive orthodontics with Phase 1 is most ideal. During this stage, between ages five and nine, dental structures are more malleable, which enables orthodontic treatment to work alongside the natural development of the teeth and jaws, and be more efficient and effective.

Phase one orthodontic treatment can prevent the need for more complex treatment measures, like corrective jaw surgery. It can also enable a shorter orthodontic treatment time and prevent your child from experiencing uncomfortable or challenging symptoms associated with malocclusion (misalignment).

Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment and Palatal Expanders

Phase 1 orthodontics appliances, specifically palatal expanders, are often used during interceptive orthodontics to expand the palate (upper jaw bones) and create sufficient space for permanent teeth to emerge.

Here’s what palatal expanders can do:

1. Correct crossbites: A crossbite is present when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down. Palatal expanders help widen the upper jaw, allowing proper alignment of the upper and lower teeth, leading to a more balanced bite.
2. Address crowding and malocclusions: Palatal expanders create additional space in a child’s mouth, providing sufficient room for permanent teeth to emerge in alignment. By expanding the arches, palatal expanders can treat or prevent crowding and reduce the likelihood of further malocclusion (misalignments) from developing.
3. Improve breathing (airway) and speech: In some cases, a narrow upper jaw can cause nasal congestion, snoring, and/or speech difficulties. Palatal expanders widen the palate, which promotes improved nasal airflow, reduces congestion, and facilitates better speech development.

How do palatal expanders work?

If your child requires a palatal expander, it will be custom-made to fit his or her smile. Dr. Matsumoto will explain the expander in full detail at your child’s visit, but in the meantime, here’s how it’ll work:

1. The palatal expanders will be placed in the upper jaw and feature a screw-like mechanism in the center with arms that reach out on either side and are affixed to the top back molars on both sides. 
2. Over time, parents will gradually turn the expander by inserting a special key into the center screw. This applies gentle pressure on the palate, which promotes separation of the upper jaw bones. 
3. As the palatal expander widens, the body’s natural response is to remodel bone tissue. The pressure prompts the bones in the upper jaw to create additional space, resulting in a wider arch and improved alignment.

Phase 1 orthodontics, or interceptive orthodontic treatment, plays a vital role in helping your child achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. By addressing dental issues early on, parents can prevent potential complications, reduce treatment duration, and improve their child’s overall oral health, well-being and self-confidence.

Your child’s first orthodontic exam

So how do you know if your child needs interceptive orthodontics? All you have to do is schedule a complimentary consultation and orthodontic exam with our highly-experienced orthodontist, Dr. Matsumoto!

Dr. Matsumoto will perform a thorough, comprehensive orthodontic exam of your little one’s smile, including a physical exam, digital impressions and a CBCT scan (if necessary). We provide a consultation for free, because we genuinely want what’s best for your child’s smile!

Once Dr. Matsumoto gains the full picture of your child’s smile, from the alignment of the jaw bones, to individual tooth positions, palate width and soft tissues, he will be able to determine if your child is in need of interceptive orthodontics. 

With all of this information, Dr. Matsumoto will design a treatment plan 100% personalized to your child’s smile needs! This may include a full treatment of braces or Invisalign® First, and/or a palatal expander. 

Either way, Dr. Matsumoto will explain the treatment plan in full detail! It’s important to us that you feel informed and have all of the information you need to feel comfortable starting treatment with us. 

Still have questions about interceptive orthodontics?

If you have any unanswered questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We would love to hear from you. At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, we believe patient education is key to successful orthodontic treatment. 

We’re happy to discuss braces for kids, any of our orthodontic treatment options, palatal expanders, what to expect on your first visit, and any other questions you may have. Ready to schedule a first visit for your child – or yourself? Request your complimentary consultation with us today!