Phase 1 treatment focuses on guiding the growth of a child’s jaws and addressing orthodontic issues early, typically between ages 6-10, before all the permanent teeth come in.

Children whose jaws are still growing (Face is 90% formed by age 11)

Those who do not have all of their permanent teeth

Those unable to hold their lips together when at rest

Those unable to swallow without use of facial muscles

Crowded baby teeth or inadequate spacing

These appliances are designed to address alignment issues and prevent more complex problems later on, setting the foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile.

If Your Child is "Reverse Swallowing" (as Shown in the Above Picture) or Has a History of Thumb-Sucking, an Appliance May Be Necessary (We Make Several) to Help Correct This Habit so Teeth Do Not Go Back After Phase 1 Therapy is Complete

The Coil Spring is Used to Keep Your Child's Front 4 Teeth Together and the Molars Back to Help Allow for Room for the Canines and Adult Premolars to Come In

Do Not Panic...This is a Normal Part of the Process! A Gap Appears for a Period of Time While the Teeth are Moved Apart to Create a Bigger Arch for Future Adult Teeth in the Back of the Mouth. The Gap (called a Diastema) is CLOSED After the Expander Has Done Its Job.

Our Phase 1 Expanders Create Room For Your Child's Adult Teeth And Save Time in Braces Later On

Shortens time in braces later on

Increased chance of preventing braces in the future

Decrease risk of chipping teeth in the future

Help prevent TMJ disorder in adult life by preventing a childhood crossbite

Preventing abnormal tooth wear in adult life

Genetic (Mom and Dad jaw size discrepancy)

Sucking habits (breast-fed vs bottle fed)

Mouth breathing while bottle feeding

Finger sucking or pacifiers as an infant or toddler

Soft food in the diet (absence of fibrous food/tough meats as a toddler)

Phase 1 can correct jaw growth discrepancies, create space for erupting teeth, improve oral habits like thumb sucking, and prevent more severe orthodontic problems.

Appliances may include expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers, depending on your child’s specific needs.

Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 12-18 months. Afterward, we monitor your child’s growth to determine if Phase 2 treatment is needed.

Many children need a second phase of treatment (full braces) after all permanent teeth have erupted to fine-tune alignment and bite.

While there may be some initial discomfort as appliances are adjusted, most kids adapt quickly. We ensure the process is as comfortable as possible.

We specialize in kid-friendly care, offer after-school appointment hours, and have a prize wall and minimart to make visits fun and rewarding for children!

Depends on the insurance.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids have their first orthodontic evaluation when parents notice signs of an orthodontic problem or no later than age 7. 

At this point, the first permanent molars are in, which establish the back of the bite, giving me an idea of how their smile is shaping up. This is just a baseline exam and doesn’t necessarily mean your child will be leaving the office with phase 1 braces or an appliance. 

While it will depend on what we’re correcting and how severe the case is, my team and I try to finish phase 1 in under 12 months. 

When early interceptive orthodontic treatment is necessary, the benefits are significant. Orthodontics for kids can:

Guide jaw and facial growth 

Correct harmful oral and myofunctional habits

Make room for the permanent teeth to come in properly

Create facial symmetry 

Lower the risk of trauma to protruding teeth

Reduce the need for corrective jaw surgery

Reduce the need for tooth extractions through space management

Help children bite, chew, speak, and breathe correctly

Reduce the length of treatment in adolescence

Boost kids’ self-esteem and confidence!