Phase One Treatment: Guiding Your Child's Smile Growth

Thinking about your child starting orthodontic treatment can bring up lots of questions! We want you to know that Phase I treatment, sometimes called Interceptive orthodontics, is all about gentle, proactive care. It’s a wonderful way to guide your child’s growth right now to set them up for a much easier smile journey later on.

Phase I treatment typically occurs between 7 and 10 years of age, while patients have a mixture of primary and adult teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have an exam appointment with an orthodontist by 7 years old. This is the best time to evaluate whether there are issues with the growth of the jaw or tooth development. Some of these issues are more easily addressed at this age.

The Benefits of a Short Phase One

A short Phase One of orthodontics may be recommended to correct the growth of your child’s jaw or create more space for their developing adult teeth. The goal is simple: changing the current position of primary teeth that are in the mouth may even be able to help overly crowded adult teeth that have yet to grow in.

This will allow the adult teeth of your child to grow in a more favorable position and may allow for a shorter and less complicated Phase II treatment. The Phase I of treatment typically lasts from six to 12 months. Although treatment is individualized for each patient, common treatments include:

  • Invisalign® Treatment for Kids (Invisalign® First)
  • Limited metal braces
  • Expansion appliances
  • Space maintainers

Everyone in Dr. Kaplan's office is so kind and cheerful. It's obvious they enjoy their work in taking care of patients. I love going there and trust him and all of his staff. It is always a positiveexperience. Thanks, All!

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Everyone was so kind and so receptive from the moment we walked in the door! Dr. Kaplan was thorough with the treatment plan and explaining the whole entire process felt really safe bringing my daughter here. Thank you again.

J.B. Google

Simply the best experience you can have, given its orthodontics lol. The reception is so on the ball - they went above and beyond to fit my schedule. The office is pristine and comforting. The hygienists are happy and kind. And Dr. Kaplan is just wonderful…he put me at ease, triple checked everything with me, took the right amount of time. Could not ask for more.

M.C. Google

Very good experience. Quickly in and out.

G.K. Google

Dr. Kaplan and his team have been amazing. I started treatment yesterday and came into the office extremely nervous. Him and his team made me feel comfortable. We even joked about me falling asleep while getting my appliance installed. 🤭

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We promise that not every patient requires a Phase I treatment!

If Dr. Kaplan does not recommend a Phase I, he will monitor your child's growth and development with short evaluation appointments every six months. These appointments allow him to watch the growth of your child's jaw and adult teeth, and he will recommend comprehensive treatment when the time is right. Patients generally begin a Phase II of orthodontic treatment, comprehensive treatment, around 12 to 13 years of age.

If you believe your child may be in need of a Phase I of treatment or you would like to come in for a complimentary exam, please give our office a call today!

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