Phase 1 Braces For Children in Petaling Jaya
Phase 1 braces, also known as interceptive braces, are braces for children designed for kids aged 6 to 12 to correct early dental misalignment before all permanent teeth erupt. Unlike traditional braces worn in the teenage years, Phase 1 braces guide jaw growth and tooth alignment, preventing severe orthodontic issues and reducing the need for complex treatments later on.
At Smile Doctor Dental Clinic, we offer specialized braces for kids to ensure your child develops a healthy, straight smile with minimal complications. Early orthodontic care can improve chewing, speech, and overall facial development, setting the foundation for lifelong dental health.
Benefits of Phase 1 Braces for Kids
Prevents Complications
Early treatment corrects dental issues before they worsen, reducing the need for complex or surgical interventions.
Advanced Technology
Modern Phase 1 braces are more comfortable and minimally invasive, making them suitable for young children.
Reduces Future Costs
Early orthodontic care can prevent the need for expensive treatments in the teenage years, saving parents money long-term.
Improves Quality of Life
Properly aligned teeth help children eat, speak, and smile with confidence, enhancing their overall well-being.
Types of Phase 1 Braces for Children
Conventional Metal Braces (2x4)
How It Works:
- Uses brackets on two molars and four front teeth to correct alignment.
- A spring expands the arch, creating space for permanent teeth to erupt.
Recommended Age: 8-12 years old (when front permanent teeth have erupted).
Treatment Time: 6 months to 1 year.
Best for: Kids needing early alignment and space creation for permanent teeth.
Benefits of Conventional Metal Braces for Kids:
- Cost-effective and efficient, producing visible results quickly.
- Does not require child compliance, making it convenient for parents.
- Helps reduce crowding and prepares for Phase 2 treatment when all permanent teeth emerge.
Things to Consider:
- Can cause pain and ulcers, especially in the beginning.
- Requires a restrictive diet and good oral hygiene to avoid issues.
- Monthly check-ups are needed as brackets may dislodge if care instructions aren’t followed.
More infomation on Conventional Braces
Carrier Motion Appliance
How It Works:
- Uses metal bars on the canine and molar with elastic bands to shift back teeth into the correct position.
- A clear retainer on the opposite arch prevents unwanted molar movement.
Recommended Age: 8-16 years old.
Treatment Time: 4-6 months.
Benefits of Conventional Metal Braces for Kids:
- Shortens overall orthodontic treatment by 1-2 years.
- Creates space for future braces or clear aligners.
- Helps correct bite issues early, making later treatment easier.
Things to Consider:
- Does not correct front teeth crowding—additional braces or aligners may be needed later.
Best for: Kids needing early bite correction and space creation before full orthodontic treatment.
Myobrace & Myofunctional Therapy
How It Works:
- A removable appliance that expands the arch while improving oral habits.
- Used with tongue and lip exercises to correct issues like mouth breathing and tongue thrusting.
Recommended Age: 5-8 years old.
Treatment Time: 1-2 years.
Best for: Young children needing early intervention without fixed braces.
Benefits of Myobrace & Myofunctional Therapy for kids:
- Non-invasive and painless alternative to traditional braces.
- Encourages natural jaw and teeth development without extractions.
- Improves overall health by eliminating poor oral habits.
Things to Consider:
- Requires strict compliance from both child and parents for best results.
- Progress is gradual, requiring patience and consistency.
More infomation on Myobrace/ Myofunctional therapy
Clear Aligners
How It Works:
- Uses custom clear aligners that gradually shift teeth while repositioning the lower jaw forward.
- Ideal for overbites and Class II malocclusions.
Recommended Age: 8-12 years old.
Treatment Time: 6 months – 2 years.
Best for: Kids who need discreet, removable braces with jaw correction benefits.
Benefits of Clear Aligners for Kids:
- Nearly invisible and removable for easy eating and cleaning.
- Simultaneously corrects teeth misalignment and jaw positioning.
- Comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
Things to Consider:
- Requires strict 22-hour daily wear, which can be difficult for young kids.
- Higher cost than conventional braces.
More information on Clear Aligners
Which Phase 1 Braces Are Right for Your Child?
| Feature | Conventional Braces | Carrier Motion Appliance | Myobrace & Myofunctional Therapy | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
How It Works |
Uses brackets on 2 molars & 4 front teeth; expands arch to create space for permanent teeth. |
Fixed appliance with elastic bands shifts back teeth into position, creating space. |
Removable appliance with exercises to expand arch & correct poor oral habits. |
Custom clear aligners that aligns teeth & reposition the lower jaw forward. |
|
Recommended Age |
8-12 years old |
8-16 years old |
5-8 years old |
8-12 years old |
|
Treatment Time |
6 months – 1 year |
4-6 months |
1-2 years |
6 months – 2 years |
|
Pain & Discomfort |
Moderate discomfort; potential ulcers. |
Mild discomfort from elastics. |
No pain but requires adjustment to appliance. |
Minimal discomfort, mild tightness when changing next aligner. |
|
Diet Restrictions |
Requires avoiding hard & sticky foods. |
Minimal diet restrictions. |
No diet restrictions. |
No diet restrictions (removable). |
|
Compliance Needed |
No child compliance needed, parent supervised. |
Requires wearing elastic bands as instructed. |
High compliance needed for effective results. |
Requires strict 22-hour daily wear. |
|
Visibility |
Visible metal brackets. |
Metal appliance is visible on both sides. |
Removable but visible when worn. |
Virtually invisible. |
|
Cost |
Most affordable option. |
Moderate cost. |
Moderate cost. |
Most expensive option. |
|
Key Benefits |
Cost-effective, fast results, no compliance needed. |
Shortens overall orthodontic treatment by 1-2 years. |
Non-invasive, improves oral habits, natural jaw development. |
Discreet, removable, corrects both alignment & jaw position. |
|
Best For |
Early alignment & space creation for permanent teeth. |
Bite correction & space creation before braces. |
Children needing early intervention without braces. |
Mild to moderate misalignment & jaw correction. |
Phase 1 Braces Results
Results vary from individual to individual*
Frequently Asked Questions on Phase 1 Braces for Kids
At Smile Doctor Dental Clinic, we offer various Phase 1 braces for children, including:
- 2×4 Braces – Traditional braces placed on molars and front teeth to create space.
- Carrier Motion Appliance – A fixed device that helps correct bite alignment.
- Myobrace/Myofunctional Therapy – A removable appliance that corrects poor oral habits and promotes natural jaw development.
- Clear Aligner Mandibular Advancement – Clear aligners that also help reposition the lower jaw.
The cost and duration of Phase 1 braces for kids depend on the treatment type:
Type of Braces | Duration | Estimated Cost (RM) |
2×4 Braces | 6 months – 1 year | RM1,800 – RM3,000 |
Carrier Motion Appliance | 3 – 6 months | RM1,500 – RM2,000 |
Myobrace/Myofunctional Therapy | 1 – 2 years | RM3,500 – RM6,000 |
Clear Aligners | 6 months – 2 years | RM6,000 – RM8,000 |
Yes! We are equipped with a 3D intraoral scanner that can show you the before and possible after result of your braces treatment.
It depends on the severity of your child’s dental malalignment. Usually for kids there is still room for expansion to allow the teeth to come through with natural growth of the face, therefore they rarely need extraction.
While we would love to claim that braces are painless, unfortunately, that is usually not the case. The constant discomfort from poking wires and the tight feeling after the monthly review appointment can cause ulcers and make eating painful. Fortunately, newer technology like Damon self-ligating braces are available. With their rounded edges and no need for monthly tightening, it makes them relatively less painful compared to conventional braces. Clear aligners are another option, and while they don’t cause ulcers, you may still feel some tightness each week when switching to a new set.
For braces other than clear aligners, we will need to see you every month to monitor the progress and check for any dislodged brackets.
As for clear aligners, we can provide up to 3 months’ worth of clear aligner sets for those with busy schedules. However, we still recommend monthly visits to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned.
- Brushing teeth or at least rinsing their mouth after every meal.
- Use floss or interdental brushes to clean between braces and under wires.
- Avoid sticky, hard, and sugary foods that can damage braces or cause decay.
Contact the dentist as soon as possible to fix the issue. In the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges and prevent irritation. Do note that each time a bracket or wire comes loose, it will prolong the treatment duration so they do need to be mindful of what they eat.
Yes, retainers help maintain the new position of their teeth and prevent them from shifting back. As they are still growing and milk teeth are still falling out, we would usually issue a Hawley’s retainer that can be adjusted to accommodate the new teeth.
- Discomfort and soreness. There might be ulcers forming in the mouth so be sure to drink more water to help with the healing.
- Potential for tooth decay or gum disease if proper hygiene is not maintained. Any food that we eat might get trapped on the brackets and wires. If it is not removed right after meal, it can cause tooth decay to form around the brackets.
- Temporary difficulty in speaking or eating. It will take some time and training but it should be fine in a month’s time.
Yes. Phase 1 Braces are designed for children who still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Starting treatment early can prevent more severe misalignment as permanent teeth grow in.
The Malaysian Dental Association recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early check-ups help identify potential alignment issues before they become severe.