Early Orthodontics for Children

Early intervention, or Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is designed for children between the ages of five and 11 who are starting to develop bite issues, misaligned teeth, or airway concerns.

Phase 1 can include a variety of orthodontic treatments. The most common are palatal expansion, braces, Invisalign First, and treatment for airway issues.

We design a personalized plan that outlines both Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatments ahead of time. This approach helps keep your child’s orthodontic care smooth, well-organized, and as gentle as possible

Phase 1 also includes:

• Planning for the next phase

  Phase 1 treatment is all about preparing for Phase 2. Early orthodontic care is designed to reduce the need for more extensive procedures later on, like removing permanent teeth or undergoing jaw surgery.

• Records to inform treatment

  During Phase 1 treatment, we’ll keep detailed records to guide Phase 2. These include information like the appliances used, how long treatment lasts, and how often visits occur, along with models of the teeth, X-rays, and photographs.

• A resting period

  After your child finishes Phase 1 treatment, the permanent teeth are left to come in naturally. Retainers may not be used if they would interfere with this process, allowing the permanent teeth the freedom they need to find their proper positions. A successful first phase creates enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt smoothly.

• Monitoring tooth progress

  At the end of Phase 1 treatment, your child’s teeth are not yet in their final positions. Phase 2 will take care of that. Sometimes, removing specific baby teeth can help the permanent teeth come in more smoothly during this resting phase. That’s why periodic checkups, usually every six months, are important to keep an eye on their progress.

Phase 2 begins once all the permanent teeth have come in, picking up where Phase 1 left off. This phase focuses on making the final adjustments to your child’s smile and bite, using either braces or Invisalign Teen.

Phase 2 treatment is usually less intensive than it would be if Phase 1 had not been done, making it a more straightforward and efficient way to complete your child’s orthodontic care.

Phase 2 is like the finishing touch for your teen’s smile, building on all the groundwork done in Phase 1. Treatment during this phase is usually shorter than Phase 1, often lasting six to 12 months.

• Continuing on the path to a healthy smile

  The goal of Phase 2 is to make sure each tooth fits comfortably and naturally with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and surrounding teeth.

• Phase 2 braces or aligner treatment 

  Phase 2 usually involves full upper and lower braces or aligners. At the start of Phase 1, we took orthodontic records and created a diagnosis and treatment plan. These now guide the work being done in Phase 2.

• Maintenance and retainers

  When Phase 2 treatment is complete, your child will receive retainers to wear. These help make sure all the progress made during treatment lasts for the long term.