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Phase One Orthodontics
Early orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics or Phase One, is a form of dental prevention for children as young as seven years old. This is different from regular orthodontic treatment because it helps prevent future dental issues that may appear or develop in adulthood.
Make sure your child goes through a thorough dental examination that can help the orthodontist decide if a treatment is required. Because at a younger age the child’s jaws are softer and not yet fully developed, the consequences of any dental issue will be less severe. Early treatment would prevent the adult you from more complicated dental interventions like surgeries and teeth extraction as well as save you from future costs.
Here are some signs that can tell you whether your child might need an orthodontic treatment:
- Early (before age five) or late (after age six) loss of baby teeth
- Breathing through the mouth
- Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
- Speech impediment
- Biting or chewing difficulties
- Crowded, crooked, or misplaced teeth
- Extreme grinding or clenching of the teeth
- An unbalanced relationship between jaws and teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that don’t meet properly.
Early treatment aims to correct some of these issues and to ensure the dental health and overall well-being of the child growing up. The causes for orthodontic problems can be some of the above, but they can also be inherited or caused by injuries and accidents. This kind of treatment involves the use of orthodontic appliances among which the most common are braces in order to create the right environment for permanent teeth to erupt and develop.
The benefits of interceptive orthodontics run deep. First of all, early treatment equals less treatment later and fewer dental problems. The main advantage is that the jaws are still soft so the required treatment will be shorter and demand less involvement.
Also, wearing braces from an early age means the child or teenager will grow up into a confident adult with an exuberant smile, a healthy mouth, well-adjusted teeth, as well as with fewer chances of going through an extraction or surgery later on in life. And let’s not forget that delayed treatment also means higher costs.
Other significant benefits include space maintenance (passive appliances that help teeth grow straighter), partial braces for crowded front teeth, maxillary protraction (upper jaw that needs to be reshaped), and palatal expansion which may fix cross bites.
If you believe your child may experience with some of the issues listed above or if you simply want to learn more about early orthodontics treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us. Hanover dental prevention is only one of the many exquisite services we offer to our clients. You may schedule an appointment at one of our three offices located in Hanover, York, and Red Lion. Choose to protect your child’s smile and the rewards will be multiple
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Frequently Asked Questions About Early Prevention
What is early orthodontic treatment (Phase One)?
Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase One or interceptive orthodontics, is preventive dental care for children typically between ages seven and ten. Unlike full orthodontic treatment, Phase One focuses on guiding jaw development, correcting harmful habits, and creating space for permanent teeth before issues become more complex. At F&S Orthodontics and Periodontics in Red Lion & York, our specialists evaluate your child's growth patterns and intervene only when early treatment will deliver clear long-term benefits.
At what age should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. By this age, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows our Red Lion & York orthodontists to identify alignment, bite, and jaw growth concerns early. Most children won't need immediate treatment, but early evaluation ensures any developing issues are caught at the most treatable stage.
What are the signs my child may need early orthodontic treatment?
Common signs that your child may benefit from Phase One treatment include early loss of baby teeth (before age five) or late loss (after age six), mouth breathing, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, speech difficulties, trouble biting or chewing, crowded or crooked teeth, protruding front teeth, teeth grinding, or a misaligned bite. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a consultation at our Red Lion & York office for a professional evaluation.
What are the benefits of treating orthodontic problems early?
Early intervention offers several long-term benefits, including reduced need for tooth extractions, less complex (or avoided) jaw surgery later in life, shorter Phase Two treatment, and improved facial development. Because a child's jaws are still soft and growing, treatment is often faster and more effective. Early treatment can also boost your child's self-confidence and help them avoid the higher costs of correcting severe issues in adulthood.
What types of appliances are used in Phase One treatment?
Phase One treatment may involve a variety of appliances depending on your child's specific needs. Common options include partial braces for crowded front teeth, palatal expanders to correct crossbites and widen the upper jaw, space maintainers to preserve room for incoming permanent teeth, and maxillary protraction appliances to reshape the upper jaw. Our orthodontists at F&S Orthodontics and Periodontics will recommend the most appropriate appliance based on your child's diagnosis.
How long does Phase One orthodontic treatment usually take?
Phase One treatment typically lasts between 6 and 18 months, depending on the issues being addressed and how your child's jaws respond. After Phase One is complete, there is usually a resting period during which we monitor your child's growth as permanent teeth continue to erupt. A second phase of treatment with braces or aligners may be recommended later, though it's often shorter and simpler thanks to the foundation built during Phase One.
Will my child still need braces as a teenager if they have Phase One treatment?
In many cases, yes. Phase One treatment doesn't always eliminate the need for braces later, but it makes future treatment significantly easier, shorter, and more predictable. Phase One addresses underlying skeletal and developmental issues, while Phase Two (typically during the teen years) focuses on aligning the permanent teeth for a finished smile. Skipping Phase One when it's recommended can lead to more invasive treatment, including extractions or jaw surgery, down the road.