By John Bayrakdarian, D.M.D.
When it comes to your child’s health, early intervention can make a big difference — and the same holds true for orthodontic care. At Unique Orthodontics, we often recommend Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment for children who show early signs of jaw development issues or dental misalignment. But what exactly is Phase 1 treatment, and why is it important?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essentials of Phase 1 Orthodontics, who it’s for, what it involves, and how it sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment, also known as early interceptive treatment, is typically recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 10 — when baby teeth and permanent teeth are both present. This stage is critical for identifying and correcting issues related to jaw growth, spacing, and bite alignment before they become more serious.
Unlike full orthodontic treatment that usually happens in the early teens, Phase 1 focuses on guiding the development of the jaw and creating space for future permanent teeth.
Why Might My Child Need Phase 1 Treatment?
Children may need early treatment if they experience:
- Crowded front teeth
- Severe overbite or underbite
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
- Speech difficulties
- Mouth breathing
- Crossbites (where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth)
If not addressed early, these issues can become more complex and require more extensive orthodontic intervention later.
What Does Phase 1 Involve?
Phase 1 treatment is personalized and may include:
- Expanders – to widen the jaw and create space
- Partial braces – on selected teeth to correct positioning
- Space maintainers – to prevent neighboring teeth from moving into empty spaces
- Functional appliances – to guide jaw growth
- Habit appliances – to stop thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
The treatment typically lasts 9 to 12 months, followed by a resting period where the remaining permanent teeth erupt naturally.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
- Reduces the risk of more invasive procedures (like jaw surgery or tooth extractions) later on
- Creates room for permanent teeth
- Improves facial symmetry and jaw alignment
- Corrects harmful oral habits early
- Boosts self-esteem and speech development
What Happens After Phase 1?
After the initial phase is complete, we’ll monitor your child’s dental growth during the resting period. If needed, Phase 2 Treatment — usually full braces or aligners — begins when most or all permanent teeth have come in. Phase 2 builds on the foundation laid in Phase 1 and aligns all teeth into their final, ideal positions.
Q&A: Phase 1 Orthodontics at Unique Orthodontics
Q: How do I know if my child needs Phase 1 treatment?
A: The best way to determine this is by scheduling an orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At Unique Orthodontics, we offer thorough exams to assess your child’s bite, jaw development, and overall oral health.
Q: What happens during the first consultation?
A: Dr. Bayrakdarian and our team will perform a comprehensive exam, take X-rays, and review your child’s dental and medical history. If early treatment is recommended, we’ll provide a personalized plan.
Q: Is Phase 1 always necessary?
A: No. Many children don’t need early treatment. Our goal is to provide care only when it’s beneficial to long-term outcomes.
Q: Will my child still need braces later?
A: Possibly. Phase 1 creates the foundation for future treatment, but Phase 2 may be required to align all the permanent teeth once they’ve erupted.
Q: Is early treatment more expensive than waiting?
A: In many cases, early treatment can prevent more costly and complicated procedures down the road. We offer flexible financing options to make care accessible for all families.
Q: Is Phase 1 treatment painful?
A: Your child may experience mild discomfort when appliances are first placed, but this typically resolves within a few days. Our team ensures your child is comfortable every step of the way.
Why Choose Unique Orthodontics for Your Child’s Care?
At Unique Orthodontics, we take pride in delivering exceptional care that’s tailored to your child’s needs. Dr. John Bayrakdarian, D.M.D., and our experienced team specialize in early interceptive orthodontics, using advanced tools and a compassionate approach to help your child feel at ease.
We understand the concerns parents have — and we’re here to guide you through every phase of the journey toward a confident, healthy smile.
Schedule a Consultation at One of Our Convenient Locations
We proudly serve Central California with multiple offices. Book your child’s Phase 1 consultation at any of our locations:
- Fresno Location
- Old Town Clovis Location
- Clovis Near Buchanan Location
- Madera Location
- Tulare Location
- Hanford Location
- Visalia Location
- Merced Location
- Fresno (Cedar) Location
Your child’s future smile starts with the right foundation. Let us help you take the first step today.
Contact Unique Orthodontics to schedule your complimentary consultation!
