Phase I treatment is generally indicated when there is a skeletal discrepancy. Certain type of orthodontic appliances including expansion appliances, headgear and herbst appliances can prevent the later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and also prevent certain surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Early treatment can also decrease the time necessary for the 2nd phase (full braces) of treatment.

The goal of Phase 1 treatment is to intercept a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early to reduce its severity. In many cases where early orthodontic treatment is recommended, the immediate objective will be one of the following: Absolutely not. Only certain patients require early intervention. Many patients can wait until most or all of their permanent teeth erupt.

Typically Phase 1 Treatment takes 6 to 16 months depending on the severity of the problem, the degree of correction needed, and the patient's cooperation.

Phase One treatment, when needed, is usually initiated on children between the ages of seven and 10. Phase One treatment usually takes about 6 to 12 months. There are two primary objectives for Phase One treatment. First, to develop the jaw so that it will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and to properly relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Secondly, to improve a child's psychological self-image and self-esteem, both very important during their formative years.

In most cases, yes. After the permanent teeth have grown in, treatment is usually necessary to complete the work that was started in the earlier phase. This completion of the earlier phase using full braces is often called Phase Two.

Children who begin a course of orthodontic treatment fairly early (say by age 7 or so), gain several benefits, including: Once we have evaluated your child's orthodontic needs, we can more clearly decide if these benefits will apply to your child's treatment.

Two-phase treatment simply means that the treatment is carried out in two stages. The first is the interceptive orthodontic phase (see above) and the second is the comprehensive orthodontic phase (see above). Each treatment plan is specific for that child and his/her specific problem. In some cases, children mature early (e.g.: get their permanent teeth early) and in some cases early treatment is indicated to prevent a more severe problem from occurring.

In most cases, yes. Early treatment is for interception of moderate to severe problems that are best corrected at an earlier stage of development. Further treatment (Phase 2) is often needed once all the permanent teeth have erupted to place the teeth in positions of optimal function, comfort, esthetics, and long-term stability.

Absolutely not. Only certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most if not all their permanent teeth erupt. If your child needs Phase I treatment this usually means that he has a difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options become limited, more difficult, and the long term stability may be compromised.