Phase 1: The Foundation for a Superstar Smile

Guide your child’s smile, even before adult teeth come in-shaping the growth of your child’s teeth and jaws for long-term success.

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You’re looking to start your child’s orthodontic journey early to address bite issues, prevent future dental problems, and set the foundation for long-term oral health.

❌ The idea of your child needing braces at an early age might feel overwhelming or unnecessary.

❌ You may be concerned about the cost of early orthodontic treatment for your child.

❌ You might wonder if Phase 1 treatment is necessary or if it could be postponed until later.

❌ You may be unsure about the long-term benefits of Phase 1 treatment for your child’s oral health.

Phase 1 treatment may be the right step for your child’s oral health, and we’ll explain why.

We’re here to work with you on the cost of early treatment and make it as manageable as possible.


Friendly staff. Good music. TVs. Awesome toys for the kids. 3D X-Rays to help make complex dental care easy. We strive to make things simple and have your whole family happy they chose us for your dental care.

Does My Child Need Phase 1 Orthodontics?

When is my child ready for Phase 1?


By the time your child reaches the age of seven, it is recommended they visit an orthodontist or dentist who is skilled and trained in orthodontics to undergo an evaluation.

All four front teeth must be showing

The 9 Common Problems to Look for in 6 to 8-Year-Old Children

(Reasons For Phase 1 Consultations) which Include: Excessive Spacing, Crowding, Open Bite, Overbite (or Deep Bite), Crossbite, Crossbite, Underbite, Overject and Abnormal Eruption

The Top 9 Reasons to Consider Phase 1 Orthodontics For Your Child Are:

1. Prevent Extractions or Jaw Surgery as an Adult

Orthodontics involves movement of not only teeth, but the Upper and Lower Jaws. In children, expanding the jaws to proper size and bringing the jaws into proper alignment is crucial and most surgeries for orthodontics may be avoided.

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2. May Shorten Your Child’s Time in Braces Later On

We offer “holding appliances” at the end of Phase 1 to keep your child’s teeth stable as the rest of their teeth erupt. If necessary, Phase 2 Orthodontics is shortened dramatically by having had Phase 1 Therapy.

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3. Decrease Risk of Your Child Chipping Teeth in the Future

By Moving the Lower Jaw into Proper Position with the Upper Jaw, we lessen the chance of you child chipping their front teeth.

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4. Helping to Prevent TMJ Disorder Later On in Your Child’s Adult Life

by preventing a childhood crossbite, we can dramatically lessen the need for TMJ care later on.

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5.. Preventing Abnormal Tooth Wear in Your Child’s Adult Life

by addressing teeth that are in the incorrect position, we can help ensure they destroy fewer teeth as they grow and put more stress on adult teeth.

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6. Correcting an Overbite

If your child’s lower jaw is set too far back, then Phase 1 Orthodontic Therapy Can Bring the Lower Jaw forward and open the airway by allowing more room for your child’s tongue to have space to move.

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7. Correct Your Child’s Harmful Oral Habits

Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting causing an Open Bite can be addressed early on with appliance therapy to get your child swallowing correctly and having a better night’s sleep.

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8. Correct Excessive Spacing/Gaps in Your Child’s Smile

Large diastemas, or gaps, can sometimes be addressed at an early age and help with your child’s lip posture.

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9. If Your Child is Experiencing Tooth Crowding

It is crucial in children that require extractions due to adult teeth erupting behind baby teeth, that jaw size be evaluated and treated properly.

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Why Open Late Dentistry?

A Trusted Name with Proven Results

Count on years of expertise and a reputation for delivering exceptional results. Check out our before-and-after gallery to see real transformations and the quality you can expect.

Custom-Crafted for You

Tailored to match your natural teeth for a seamless, realistic look and long-lasting durability.

Get Started Virtually Anytime with Upfront Pricing

Book your virtual consultation to get all your questions answered, discover how veneers can transform your smile, and receive transparent, upfront pricing—no surprises.

Before & After Gallery

See the transformation! Explore our incredible results and visualize the difference we can make.

How Do Phase 1 Orthodontic Appliances From Open Late Orthodontics Work?


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

Check Our Pricing

Ready to find the perfect plan? Explore our transparent rates and choose what's right for you!

How do we diagnose for PHASE 1

We use Digital X-Rays to help locate Your Child's Adult Teeth and see if they are Impacted, or sideways from coming in so we can intervene, if necessary, to help make room for them (see this X-Ray as an example of the Upper Canine that is almost completely sideways)

How Does My Child's Thumb Sucking Affect Their Teeth?

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

What Are Those Springs On My Child's Teeth?

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 (Picture Courtesy of Dr. Eliades)

Can Phase 1 Orthodontics Help With My Child's Thumb Sucking?

Thumb Sucking Appliance Example

Why Does My Child Have a Gap In Between Their Front Teeth?

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

Phase 1 Retainers: Keeping Teeth In Place After Phase 1

PERMANENT Retainers: Set It and Forget It

Upper Permanent Retainer Example

Lower Permanent Retainer

Phase 1 Braces

TESTIMONIALS.

Over 400+ 5-Star Google Reviews

Don't just take our word for it. When it comes to who you trust your dental care with, see what our Celina-area residents are saying about the Open Late Dentistry and Orthodontics Team

See Our OVER 400+ Google Reviews with 5 STAR RATINGS

Don't just take our word for it. When it comes to who you trust your dental care with, see what our Celina-area residents are saying about the Open Late Dentistry and Orthodontics Team

Tour our office

Wanna see what our office is all about?

HOWDY, CELINA NEIGHBOR!

Our family-owned practice makes access to affordable care with the latest technology easy and gives you the best results. We will have you chewing better than ever before with our custom-designed Dental Implants and consultations after work-hours

1212 S Preston Rd #130, Celina, TX 75009, USA

Phase 1 Orthodontic F.A.Q.'s

What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?

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.

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Why is early orthodontic treatment necessary?

Early treatment can correct issues like severe crowding, crossbites, or bite problems before they worsen, reducing the need for more extensive treatment later.

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How do I know if my child needs Phase 1 treatment?

Common signs include difficulty biting or chewing, crowded teeth, mouth breathing, or an uneven bite. We recommend an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to determine if Phase 1 is needed.

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What types of issues does Phase 1 address?

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

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What appliances are used during Phase 1 treatment?

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

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How long does Phase 1 treatment last?

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

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Will my child still need braces later?

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

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Is Phase 1 treatment painful for kids?

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

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Why choose Open Late Dentistry for my child’s orthodontic care?

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!

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How much does it cost?

Depends on the insurance.

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At what age should a child have their first orthodontic visit?

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. 

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How long does phase 1 orthodontic treatment take?

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. 

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What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?

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!

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If you are interested in having your child evaluated for Phase 1 treatment of braces or want to find out what it can do for you, we are a family dentist located in Celina, Texas (TX), serving patients of all ages from Prosper, Gunter, Aubrey, Frisco, Anna, and the surrounding areas.

OFFICE HOURS


TUESDAY: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

WEDNESDAY: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

THURSDAY: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

FRIDAY: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SATURDAY: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

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Contact Us

TEXT us at: 972-885-9670