What to Expect from Early “Phase One” Treatment for Your Child’s Teeth 

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Children don’t always need to wait until they get their permanent teeth for orthodontic care. Our orthodontists in Wichita, KS, at Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics may recommend early Phase I treatment if your child shows certain signs of potential orthodontic issues, such as extra teeth or not enough space for permanent teeth to erupt. We’ll explore what happens with this kind of treatment so you know what to expect!

Why It’s Done

Our orthodontic team uses this treatment to help improve how your child’s lower and upper jaws fit together. This approach helps ensure that there’s adequate room for permanent teeth to break through the gums instead of getting trapped.

When It’s Done

Phase I treatment may be recommended when your child’s four upper front teeth come in. This usually happens when kids are between 7 and 9 years old, though this may vary.

How It’s Done

The exact process may vary, depending on your child’s teeth and jaws. We’ll typically have your child wear an orthodontic appliance on their lower or upper permanent teeth — or both. Some children wear expanders to help shift teeth into a better position for proper alignment. If needed, we might take steps to make sure your child’s mouth has enough room for permanent teeth to break through the gums.

What Happens After Treatment

Phase I is just one part of the process. Your child moves onto Phase II when your child has all or most of their permanent teeth.

Set Up an Orthodontic Appointment for Your Child Today!

Does your child need early Phase I treatment? At Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics, we provide this orthodontic care to help your child’s teeth grow in evenly and support proper alignment. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment for orthodontics in Wichita, KS!

Child sucking finger image

How a Palatal Crib Can Immediately Stop Your Child’s Thumb Sucking Habit

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Is your child still sucking their thumb? If so, you’ve probably wondered at what age they should stop, right? Did you know that an orthodontist in Wichita, KS, can help you with that? Let’s talk about childhood thumb-sucking for a moment.

At What Age Should a Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb?

Most children will stop sucking their thumbs on their own before they reach five years of age. However, if they don’t stop before they turn five, it’s important to take measures to stop the behavior.

How Thumb Sucking Can Lead to Future Dental Issues

Continued childhood thumb-sucking can lead to major dental issues later on. For example, misaligned teeth, cavities, gum recession, bite problems, and could even lead to speech problems.

Your orthodontist can help stop the thumb-sucking habit with a dental device called a palatal crib.

What Is a Palatal Crib?

A palatal crib in Wichita, KS, is a custom-made semi-circle-shaped oral appliance. It’s made of metal (usually) and placed on the roof of your child’s mouth and cemented to the back of their teeth. It’s not painful or uncomfortable, and it’s well tolerated by most children.

How Does a Palatal Crib Stop Thumb Sucking?

Children suck their thumbs because it gives them a comforting sensation. So, it’s basically their way of self-soothing. A palatal crib is placed in a child’s mouth in a way that keeps the thumb from reaching the roof of the mouth. And that, in turn, prevents the comforting sensation from occurring.

Once the comforting sensation is no longer achievable, it quickly breaks the thumb-sucking habit. However, the palatal crib is usually left in place for about six months or so to ensure the thumb-sucking habit doesn’t continue.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Wichita, KS?

If your child is still sucking their thumb after the age of five, please Contact Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to talk with you about how a palatal crib could immediately help stop your child’s thumb-sucking habit.