What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early treatment, also known as Phase I or interceptive orthodontic treatment, is a limited course of orthodontic care that begins before all permanent teeth have erupted—typically between the ages of 6 and 10. It generally lasts for one year or less and is designed to address developmental issues while a child is still growing.
Starting treatment early can help simplify or shorten the need for more comprehensive treatment later (Phase II), once all the permanent teeth have come in.
Benefits of Early Treatment Include:
- Guiding proper jaw growth
- Improving the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- Correcting crossbites, underbites, and deep overbites
- Preserving or creating space for incoming permanent teeth
- Reducing the risk of tooth impactions or the need for extractions
- Addressing harmful habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting
- Supporting proper airway development
- Boosting self-confidence by improving the appearance of the smile
Who Needs Early Treatment?
Not every child will benefit from early orthodontic care. Some orthodontic issues are best addressed during the teen years, after all permanent teeth have emerged. Others—particularly certain skeletal growth patterns—may be better treated once a child has reached more advanced stages of growth.
At your complimentary consultation, we will evaluate your child’s dental development and determine if early treatment is appropriate. If no immediate treatment is needed, your child will be enrolled in our Kids Club—a growth monitoring program with check-ins every 6 to 12 months. These visits are important for timing any future treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces Later?
Early treatment can correct significant issues and prevent more serious problems from developing, making future treatment faster, easier, and more effective. However, because many permanent teeth have yet to erupt during early treatment, a second phase of orthodontics (Phase II) is often necessary to fine-tune alignment.
In some cases, early treatment may prevent the need for braces altogether—but more commonly, it lays the foundation for a shorter, more straightforward treatment phase during adolescence.
