Phase I Orthodontics & Tongue Thrust Correction in Anaheim Hills

Helping Children Develop Healthy Habits, Beautiful Smiles & Proper Tongue Posture

At My Orange County Orthodontist, we offer advanced Phase I orthodontic treatment for children who show early signs of jaw imbalance, bite issues, or tongue-thrust habits. Many bite problems are not just “dental”—they are caused by poor tongue posture, incorrect swallowing patterns, and muscle imbalances. When these habits are not corrected, orthodontic treatment becomes longer, less stable, and more prone to relapse.

Our Anaheim Hills orthodontic team takes a habit-first approach, spending extra time teaching children proper tongue posture so their bite develops correctly and stays corrected for life.

What Is Phase I Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase I treatment is early orthodontics typically started between ages 6–10. It focuses on guiding jaw growth and correcting habits that affect dental development.

We treat:

  • Narrow upper arches and crossbites
  • Dental crowding
  • Open bites from tongue thrust
  • Thumb-sucking or oral habits
  • Class II or Class III growth patterns
  • Mouth breathing and low tongue posture

By correcting these issues early, we create space for permanent teeth, improve facial balance, and reduce the need for extractions or prolonged treatment later.

Tongue Thrust & Improper Tongue Position

A tongue thrust happens when the tongue rests low, pushes forward, or presses against the teeth during swallowing. This constant pressure affects dental and skeletal development.

Common problems caused by tongue thrust:

  • Open bite
  • Proclined or flared front teeth
  • Speech issues
  • Narrow upper arch
  • Mouth breathing
  • Relapse after braces

We help children retrain their tongue and oral muscles using customized myofunctional exercises, posture coaching, and consistent monitoring.

How We Correct Tongue Habits at My Orange County Orthodontist

We spend dedicated time with every patient to break the habits responsible for malocclusion. Our treatment includes:

  • Teaching proper tongue resting posture (tip to the spot behind upper incisors)
  • Myofunctional exercises for swallowing and breathing
  • Habit-elimination appliances when needed
  • Expansion to allow proper tongue room
  • Parent guidance for at-home practice

This holistic approach ensures long-term stability and healthier growth.

Why Families Choose Us

  • 20+ years of orthodontic experience
  • Customized Phase I treatment plans
  • Hands-on habit correction and coaching
  • Modern appliances + airway-focused philosophy
  • Serving Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, Placentia, Orange, Brea, Villa Park, Fullerton & surrounding areas

Your child’s smile and airway development matter. By treating both the teeth and the tongue habits, we create beautiful, stable, and healthier smiles.