When Is It Time for Your Child to Have an Orthodontic Evaluation?

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Did you know that you don’t have to wait for your child to show obvious signs of tooth or jaw alignment problems before seeking treatment? In fact, our orthodontists in Wichita, KS, at Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics offer orthodontic evaluations to check for early signs of issues we may need to address. Here’s when you should bring your child to us for this kind of assessment.

What Do the Experts Recommend?

Our orthodontic team and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend bringing your child in for an evaluation by the time they’re seven years old. Why do we need to see them so early? This is an ideal age to look for any evidence that they may be at risk of developing bite issues or other alignment or spacing problems.

Do Baby Teeth Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Since your child will be losing these teeth, do they really need any orthodontic care? Yes, if these teeth show signs of growth issues, we may recommend having your child go through early treatment.

What Do You Look for During an Orthodontic Evaluation?

When you bring your child to us for orthodontic evaluations in Wichita, KS, we check for visible signs that they may benefit from early treatment, such as the upper and lower jaw not lining up right or a lack of space for permanent teeth to come in. We also check for extra teeth and narrow structures that may affect jaw growth.

Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation Today for Your Child!

Is it time for your child to have their jaw and teeth assessed for potential issues? At Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic evaluations in Wichita, KS, for kids to see if any early treatment is needed for healthy jaw growth.

What Are the Differences Between Phase I and Phase II Treatment?

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Some kids develop issues with the way their jaw grows or aligns, causing trouble with eating, speech, and other problems. Our orthodontists in Wichita, KS, at Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics offer Phase I and Phase II treatment to address these issues. Wondering what the difference is between them? Here’s a comparison of these orthodontic solutions.

Why Phase I Is Done

This treatment helps the rest of your child’s permanent teeth erupt if there are problems with front tooth alignment or jaw development. This treatment helps make room for these teeth, preventing crowding.

Why Phase II Is Done

This treatment helps align the permanent teeth that erupted following Phase I treatment. This ensures that all of your child’s teeth are properly aligned to prevent ongoing discomfort or problems with speech and other functions.

When Phase I Is Done

Not sure when your child may need Phase I and Phase II orthodontic treatment in Wichita, KS? The age that children undergo Phase I varies, but it’s often done anywhere between 7 and 11 years old.

When Phase II Is Done

There’s a pause between treatments once Phase I is complete. Phase II usually takes place when kids are between 11 and 14 years old, once all or most of their permanent teeth have erupted.

Phase I Treatments

These treatments may include appliances on the lower or upper permanent teeth, such as expanders or space maintainers.

Phase II Treatments

These treatments may include metal or ceramic braces, aligners, or other appliances that properly align teeth.

Visit Us for Phase I or Phase II Orthodontic Treatment

Does your child need orthodontic care for alignment problems? At Trimmell Anders & White Orthodontics, our orthodontists offer Phase I and Phase II orthodontic treatment in Wichita, KS, to help ensure healthy growth and development.

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!

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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.