Early Interceptive Orthodontics | Phase 1 in Baton Rouge
Starting orthodontic care for your young child may seem drastic. But by beginning proactive care early, we can help minimize or even eliminate their need for more extensive treatments in the future. Give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Why Should I Choose Early Interceptive Orthodontics?
Because the sooner you get treatment for your child, the better the alignment of their teeth and jaws will be. Orthodontic problems often become obvious as early as the age of 6-8 in some kids. By using special early orthodontic treatments, orthodontists can correct lots of these problems while your child’s jaws are still growing, and before all of their permanent teeth erupt. This is known as “Phase 1” orthodontic treatment. Getting phase 1 treatment can simplify your child’s future treatment with braces, and can even eliminate the need for further orthodontic procedures, in some cases.
The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
Develop A Healthy Bite
Phase 1 orthodontics is particularly important in patients who may have serious jaw problems or a narrow palate. These issues can interfere with the development of a healthy bite. In the future, this could lead to problems when the permanent teeth erupt, speech impediments, premature tooth wear, and lots of other problems. With early interceptive orthodontics, these complex issues can be reduced or eliminated.
Reduce Tooth Misalignment
Early interceptive orthodontics helps the adult teeth erupt in the proper places, and can reduce or even eliminate the misalignment of adult teeth. This improves your child’s smile and oral health. In some cases, they may not even need braces (phase 2 orthodontics) to straighten their teeth.
Treat Other Dental/Health Complications
A bad bite and misaligned teeth can contribute to or cause lots of other problems like disordered breathing, a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay, speech issues, and much more. Proper care from an expert orthodontist will prevent all of these problems and more.
3D Printed Appliances
Using advanced digital scanning and 3D printing technology, we can create clear aligners and other orthodontic devices that are more comfortable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing than traditional options.
iTero Intraoral Scanner
With our iTero intraoral scanner, we’re able to create accurate 3D models of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw structure, all without the need for messy impressions. These images allow us to create the most efficient treatment plans, and even see what your child’s smile will look like after their treatment has finished.
The Early Interceptive Orthodontics Treatment Process
Initial Consultation
The first step is scheduling your complimentary consultation at Rousseau Orthodontics. The Rousseau Orthodontic team will take detailed x-rays, perform a comprehensive exam, and assess your child's overall oral health and growth to determine if early interceptive orthodontics is recommended. If not, your child will be routinely monitored by Dr. Rousseau until they are ready for comprehensive treatment.
Personalized Treatment Plan
If Phase I is recommended for your child, Dr. Rousseau will develop and review a customized treatment plan. This could include braces, habit appliances to help with things like thumb-sucking or bad swallow, palate expanders, and a variety of other treatments. Every child is different, so Dr. Rousseau will discuss their plan with you and schedule all of the necessary follow-ups and checkups.
Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups
Phase I orthodontic treatment typically takes about 12 months, though some patients may have shorter or longer treatment times. During this time, your child will come back to our office for frequent visits with Dr. Rousseau. Dr. Rousseau will check on their oral health, examine their progress, and make sure everything’s on track. This same process will continue until your child’s treatment is complete. A retainer is typically made after Phase I treatment to hold the progress made until all adult teeth have erupted and an evaluation for Phase II treatment may be completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
