At McComb Orthodontics, we believe in proactive care that sets the foundation for a healthy, confident smile. Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is designed for children ages 6-10 who show early signs of alignment or bite issues. By starting treatment at the right time, we can guide jaw development, create space for incoming adult teeth, and reduce the need for more extensive treatment in the future.
We specialize in using Invisalign First or traditional braces and expanders for Phase 1 treatment. During your complimentary consultation, we will discuss which option is best suited for your family.
Who Is a Candidate for Phase 1 Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment may be recommended for children who have:
- Crowding or spacing issues
- A misaligned bite (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Habits like thumb-sucking that impact dental development
- Jaw growth discrepancies that could worsen over time
If your child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth, early intervention can help prevent more severe orthodontic issues later on.
Treatment Options
Phase 1 treatment can include a variety of orthodontic solutions based on your child’s unique needs. Common options include:
- Braces – Traditional brackets and wires to gradually align teeth and improve the bite.
- Invisalign – A removable and discreet option designed to gently guide teeth into place.
- Expanders & Other Appliances – Used to create space and guide proper jaw development.
Treatment typically lasts 6-18 months, depending on your child’s needs. After Phase 1, we will monitor their growth to determine if additional treatment is necessary during the teen years.
Why Start Early?
Early orthodontic treatment helps prevent more severe dental issues and can lead to a shorter, more efficient treatment plan later on. By addressing concerns early, we can minimize complications, avoid unnecessary extractions, and ensure a smoother orthodontic experience as your child grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs Phase 1 Treatment?
While some early dental problems are easy to diagnose, many are hidden beneath the surface. For that reason, we recommend that all children come in for their first orthodontic consultation at age 7. At that visit, we will take a panoramic x-ray to evaluate the eruption of all adult teeth, a series of photographs, and a 3D scan of the bite. This will allow us to determine if you child has any issues with eruption of the adult teeth or problems with jaw growth.
Do all children need Phase 1 Treatment?
Most definitely not! Approximately 20% of children benefit from Phase 1 treatment, so the vast majority do not need it. That said, when we recommend Phase 1 treatment, it is essential to prevent further issues with adult tooth eruption or jaw growth.
Does every child need an expander?
Here’s the great news — while most children who went through Phase 1 used to always need a bulky metal expander and braces, we are now able to treat the vast majority of Phase 1 cases with Invisalign. While this might sound crazy at first, it makes a lot of sense. Children’s mouths are small and Invisalign aligners are custom made to fit each patient. For that reason, they are extremely comfortable for growing children, and we have found that our 7-10 year olds are our most compliant patients when it comes to wearing their Invisalign trays. We still have some families opt to use traditional expander and braces, which work great, but many are opting for Invisalign First when Phase 1 is required. We will guide you through the pros and cons of each option during your consultation.
Our goal is to make orthodontics fun and easy to understand
From our team to our design, our focus is making you comfortable and even excited to take a step towards your own long time dream of a perfect smile.
Meet Our Team
“The office is welcoming, the staff is friendly, and they’re patient and great with kids. I constantly recommend it to my friends and colleagues!”
Leila O on Yelp
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you’re wondering whether your child could benefit from Phase 1 treatment, schedule a consultation today. Our team will evaluate their smile and recommend the best approach for long-term oral health.
Book Now