Early Interceptive Orthodontics: Phase I

Early Phase 1, or early interceptive treatment, is a preventative orthodontic treatment that is performed before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Typically, Early Phase One treatment is recommended for children between the ages of 6 and 10 years old to prevent future issues that could require extensive treatment or even surgery. The goal of Phase 1 Treatment is to develop the child’s jaws to make room for the future eruption of permanent teeth and to improve the relationship of the upper and lower jaws.

An upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can benefit from this early orthodontic treatment. This early correction can often prevent dental trauma, later removal of permanent teeth or even jaw surgery. The treatment time for Phase 1 treatment is usually between 9-18 months. After this, patients wear retainers and are checked every four to six months while waiting for the remaining permanent teeth to erupt. Schedule a consultation at our Davie, Plantation, or Tamarac office where we can examine your child’s teeth and recommend the best treatment options.

We recommend Early Phase treatment when there is a moderate or severe orthodontic problem that should not wait until later to be treated. We are very cautious and do not recommend Early Phase treatment unless it will have a significant difference or outcome. In other words, early interceptive treatment is recommended only if it cannot be otherwise delayed: some orthodontic conditions are simply easier to correct when they’re corrected earlier. The most common of such conditions are bad bites, missing teeth, crowding, spacing, and ankylosed teeth.

This early correction can often prevent dental trauma, later removal of permanent teeth or even jaw surgery. The treatment time for Phase 1 treatment is usually between 9 and 18 months. The best age to evaluate a child’s mouth is around 7 years old. The goal of Phase 1 Treatment is to develop the child’s jaws to make room for the future eruption of permanent teeth and to improve the relationship of the upper and lower jaws. An upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can benefit from this early orthodontic treatment. Early interceptive orthodontic treatment is often necessary to correct certain conditions that could worsen or cause damage with age.