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(714) 253-3172
166 N Raymond Ave Fullerton, CA 92831
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Early Interceptive Orthodontics | Phase 1

In Fullerton

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

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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.

Keeping Care Accessible

We believe that everyone deserves a chance at a healthy smile, and that’s why we do everything we can to make paying for dental care as easy as possible.

Insurance-friendly office

Healthcare financing

Membership plans available

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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.

What makes us different

The Early Interceptive Orthodontics Treatment Process

Initial Consultation

First, your child will need to have an appointment with an experienced orthodontist. Your child’s orthodontist will take detailed x-rays, perform a comprehensive exam, and assess their overall oral health to determine if your child needs phase 1 orthodontics.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Once your child is approved for treatment, their orthodontist will develop a customized treatment plan. This could include special braces, habit appliances to help with things like thumb-sucking or bad swallow, palate expanders, headgear, and a variety of other treatments. Every child is different, so your orthodontist will discuss their plan with you and schedule all of the necessary follow-ups and checkups.

Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups

Phase 1 orthodontics 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 their orthodontist. Their orthodontist 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.

FaQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

If your child is showcasing one or more of the following signs & symptoms, they may be a good candidate for early interceptive orthodontic treatment: Underbites Crossbites Crowded teeth Excessively gapped teeth Extra or missing teeth Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.
Once your child is approved for treatment, their orthodontist will develop a customized treatment plan. This could include special braces, habit appliances to help with things like thumb-sucking or bad swallow, palate expanders, headgear, and a variety of other treatments. Every child is different, so your orthodontist will discuss their plan with you and schedule all of the necessary follow-ups and checkups.
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.
The cost of early interceptive orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s early interceptive orthodontics is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.

Book Your Child’s Appointment Today

Healthy Smiles Start Here
Request Appointment
Call (714) 253-3172
Phone
(714) 253-3172
Email
info@childsmilesoc.com
Address
166 N Raymond Ave
Fullerton, CA 92831
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Hours
Mon 8 AM - 5 PM
Tue 8 AM - 5 PM
Wed 8 AM - 5 PM
Thu 8 AM - 5 PM
Fri 8 AM - 5 PM
Sat Open once a month, by appointment only