Did you know that some children benefit from orthodontics as early as age 7? Most of us associate braces and retainers with older kids and teens, but there are some targeted treatments that begin earlier. They happen during the “mixed dentition” phase, or when patients have begun to lose their baby teeth but don’t have all their adult teeth yet. Not all children need phase 1 treatment, but for those with certain alignment and bite issues, early intervention is key to avoiding complications down the line.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a checkup with an orthodontist no later than 7 years old. This is the best time to detect whether there are problems that are easier to correct when the jaw is more responsive. 

Why Do Some Kids Need Early Orthodontic Intervention?

Phase 1 orthodontics is also called “interceptive” orthodontics because the goal is to “intercept” any developing problems. While most children who go in for an initial orthodontic evaluation at age 6 or 7 either won’t need treatment, or are expected to need treatment as they grow older and their teeth and jaw develop, some young patients have problems that can be addressed right away. Here are some examples of issues that might be treated with phase 1 orthodontics. 

• Underbites – when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
• Crossbites – when the jaw shifts to one side
• Very crowded teeth
• Excessively spaced teeth
• Extra or missing teeth
• Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
• Thumb-, finger-, or pacifier- sucking that is affecting the teeth or jaw growth

Is the Purpose of Phase 1 Treatment to Avoid Braces? 

It’s important to understand that going through phase 1 treatment doesn’t necessarily mean your child is then finished with orthodontics. Many patients who have phase 1 treatment will go on to have braces or clear aligner treatment, but the goal is that with early intervention, those issues will be quicker and easier to treat. 

Waiting until the jaw is almost finished developing or all the adult teeth have come in can make correction of some problems more complicated. 

How Long Does Phase 1 Treatment Last?

Phase 1 treatment typically lasts between 9 and 12 months. Once the specific treatment goal is addressed, patients are finished until they are older, have all their adult teeth, and start phase 2 treatment if necessary. 

What Kind of Appliances Are Used During Phase 1 Treatment?

While every patient is different and your child’s orthodontist is the only one who can answer specific questions about your child’s case, here are some of the treatments used during interceptive treatment: 

Palate Expanders

Palate expanders are appliances that fit against your child’s palate and are attached to their back teeth. They have two halves and a screw in the middle that slowly expands by turning with a key every night. 

Expanders work by applying steady, gentle pressure on both sides of your upper jaw, widening it over time. These can be beneficial for young children with a diagnosed crossbite or underdeveloped upper jaw.  

Space Maintainers

If your child lost a tooth early due to decay or injury, your orthodontist may recommend spacers to prevent other teeth from drifting into that space before the adult tooth can erupt. Space maintainers can be fixed or removable, your orthodontist will recommend which is best for your child.

Specialized Retainers

Retainers are very common during phase 1 treatment, especially after treatment with palate expanders. Fixed or removable retainers after expansion help keep everything in place and ensure there is enough space for the adult teeth to come in properly.

Orthodontic Face Masks

The orthodontic face mask is used in young patients with severe underbites (lower teeth ahead of upper front teeth). The face mask is usually used in conjunction with a palate expander to make space in the upper jaw.

Patients attach rubber bands to the expander to the external face mask, which works by slowly pulling the upper jaw forward. For more mild cases, children wear the face mask at night. More severe cases may require up to 20 hours of use. The more the child wears the face mask, the faster the course of treatment. 

Braces (limited) 

These are different from the braces you typically see because the brackets are only applied to certain teeth. Orthodontists use braces in phase 1 orthodontic treatment to correct types of malocclusion (misaligned bite) or poorly aligned teeth caused by thumb-sucking  

If your child has an open bite or protruding teeth, for example, your orthodontist might place brackets on the top four front teeth to slowly pull them down into a safer position. 

Phase 1 Treatment is All About Health and Function

Some people are skeptical of the need for early treatment because they believe that orthodontics is solely about a pretty smile. However, the real value of orthodontic treatment is a healthy, functional bite. This goes for children and adults, but it’s even more important when treating our youngest patients.

When a TAO orthodontist evaluates a patient between the ages of 6 and 9, they are focused on the development and growth of the child’s jaw and teeth. They are not concerned with straightening crooked teeth for purely aesthetic purposes. 

Ultimately, the goal is for your child to have a healthy, functional bite that lasts a lifetime. 

If you believe your child may have some of the conditions we mentioned above, or they are around the age of 7, visit our searchable online directory to find an expert orthodontist in your area. You don’t need a dentists’ referral, and many of our member orthodontists offer an initial consultation at no cost. What are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today!