Early Treatment

Early (Phase I) treatment is orthodontic care that begins while a child still has some baby teeth, usually between ages 7 and 10. Not every child needs it, but for some problems, starting early makes later treatment shorter and simpler.

Why age 7?

By around age 7 the first permanent molars and front teeth have usually come in, so we can evaluate the bite and how the jaws are growing. That's why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first check-up by then.

Problems that may benefit from early treatment

• Crossbites and jaw shifts
• Severe crowding or teeth erupting out of place
• Protruding front teeth that are at risk of injury
• Underbites
• Habits such as thumb-sucking that affect the bite

What happens next

Phase I is often followed by a resting period while the remaining permanent teeth come in. Many children then need a shorter second phase of braces to fine-tune the bite. If early treatment isn't needed, we'll simply monitor growth at periodic check-ups at no charge.