Phase one orthodontics is an early, and shortened, treatment phase targeted at younger children with both permanent and baby teeth present.  It’s primary goals are to eliminate large functional problems with the developing teeth and jaws in order to prevent further problems from developing.

Normal phase one orthodontic intervention may include appliances such as the following:

• Expander
• Braces
• Space Maintainers
• Primary (Baby) Teeth Removal
• Growth Modification Appliances
• Retainer

Every child is different but a standard phase one treatment lasts anywhere from 10-14 months. Upon completion, your child will wear a retainer made specifically for their teeth. We will monitor growth and development until they are ready, if necessary, for their comprehensive treatment.

Specific problems your orthodontist will be watching for (and you at home can watch for) include:

• Skeletal Discrepancies
• Missing/Abnormal Tooth Eruption
• Spacing
• Crowding
• Open Bite/Deep Bite
• Overjet/Protrusion
• Crossbite
• Pathology

Absolutely not!  We recommend every child be seen by an orthodontist by age 7 in order to evaluate their dental development.  Often times we place your child on a recall and wait to initiate treatment until all of their permanent teeth have erupted.