What is Phase 1 Orthodontics ?

Phase 1 orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, involves early treatment designed to address issues while your child’s mouth is still developing.

This early phase of treatment typically starts around age 7 or 8 and aims to:

1. Guide Dental Development:
Correct issues with the growth of the jaws and positioning of the teeth.

2. Prevent More Severe Problems: Address problems early to avoid more complex treatments in the future.

3. Improve Oral Function: Enhance bite function and speech, and reduce difficulties with chewing or other oral functions.

4. Create Space for Erupting Teeth: Ensure there is adequate space for permanent teeth to emerge correctly.


Phase 1 orthodontics is not always necessary for every child, but it can be highly beneficial for those who exhibit early signs of orthodontic issues. A consultation with an orthodontic specialist will help determine if your child would benefit from early intervention and what the appropriate treatment plan might be.

Why Your Child Should See an Orthodontist Before Age 7

By the age of 7, your child’s mouth is in a crucial developmental phase. At this age, their permanent teeth will have started to emerge, but they will still have some baby teeth. This transitional period is ideal for an orthodontist to assess your child’s dental and skeletal development.

Early Assessment: Why It Matters

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. Early evaluation allows orthodontists to identify potential issues with tooth alignment, bite, and jaw growth before they become more complex problems. Addressing these issues early can guide proper dental development and reduce the need for more extensive treatments later on.

Benefits of Early Intervention

1. Guiding Growth: Early treatment can help guide the growth of your child’s jaw and the alignment of their teeth. This proactive approach can create a more balanced foundation for their adult teeth.
2. Preventing Severe Problems: Identifying and addressing issues early can prevent more serious and costly problems in the future. Early intervention can minimize the need for complex procedures as your child grows.
3. Improving Oral Health: Correcting issues early can improve your child’s oral health and function, potentially making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and reducing the risk of dental problems.
4. Enhancing Confidence: A well-aligned smile can boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence, making social interactions and self-image more positive.

Overall, seeing an orthodontist by age 7 ensures that your child’s dental development is on the right track, and any necessary interventions can be made at the optimal time for the best results.

Does My Child Need Phase 1 Orthodontics?

To determine if your child needs Phase 1 orthodontics, it’s crucial to consult an orthodontic specialist. While general or pediatric dentists can sometimes recognize the need for orthodontic evaluation, a specialized orthodontist is trained to identify subtle issues that might not be immediately apparent.

Here are some symptoms parents should watch for that may indicate the need for early orthodontic treatment:

• Crooked or Overcrowded Teeth: Misalignment or lack of space for teeth to emerge properly.
• Noticeable Spaces Between Teeth: Gaps that could suggest issues with spacing or alignment.
• Protruding Teeth: Teeth that stick out or are not aligned with the rest of the dental arch.
• A Visibly Disproportionate Jaw: Jaw asymmetry or significant differences in the upper and lower jaws.
• Difficulty Speaking Clearly: Speech issues that might be related to teeth or jaw alignment.
• Mouth Breathing: Habitual mouth breathing, which could be related to issues with the teeth or jaw.
• Frequently Biting the Inside of Their Mouth: Repeatedly biting the inside of the mouth, which might indicate misalignment or improper bite.

How Does Phase 1 Treatment Work?

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is designed to address specific issues in the development of your child’s teeth and jaws while they are still growing. Here’s a breakdown of how Phase 1 treatment works:

1. Personalized Treatment Plan:
   • Each Phase 1 treatment plan is tailored to the individual needs of the child. The orthodontist will assess the specific issues and create a customized approach to guide proper dental development.
2. Orthodontic Appliances:
   • Expanders: These are used to gradually widen the upper jaw or palate, creating additional space for adult teeth to emerge. This is particularly useful if the child’s upper jaw is too narrow or crowded.
   • Space Maintainers: If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer can be placed to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap. This helps ensure that there is adequate space for the adult tooth to come in correctly.
   • Braces: In some cases, specialized braces may be used for a short period to correct alignment issues or other dental problems.
3. Duration of Treatment:
   • Phase 1 treatment generally lasts between 10 and 14 months. The exact length of treatment depends on the specific issues being addressed and how the child responds to the treatment.
4. Ongoing Monitoring:
   • After completing Phase 1 treatment, the orthodontist will continue to monitor your child’s growth and development. This ensures that the changes made during Phase 1 are maintained and that the child’s dental development progresses as expected.
5. Phase II Treatment:
   • Once all the permanent teeth have erupted, typically around age 11 or 12, Phase II orthodontics may be recommended if needed. This phase involves further treatment to fine-tune the alignment and bite, ensuring a well-balanced and functional smile.

Overall, Phase 1 orthodontics aims to address immediate issues and create a better foundation for future dental development, potentially reducing the need for more extensive treatment later on.