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

They fixed my teeth

T.W. Google

Great, excellent team, my daughter was very pleased and if my child is happy, then I will be ten times more pleased. 👏🏻🫶🏻👍🏻

S.G. Google

Its always a pleasure to visit Kaplan Orthodontics - friendly and knowledgeable staff, pleasant office with modern day aesthetic and conveniences to be able to continue to work while waiting to be seen, and efficient and fast appts!

K.G. Google

We absolutely love Kaplan Orthodontics. They’re the most professional office I’ve ever been to, and everything they do, they do with perfection. Dr. Kaplan is also wonderful with kids and has such a funny, easygoing personality that makes them feel comfortable and relaxed.

A.S. Google

My daughter just had her braces removed, and I can’t thank the Kaplan team enough! Her teeth look beautiful (just in time for the 8th grade dance). Dr Kaplan and the team are so professional, customer oriented, and amazingly kind. We highly recommend Kaplan Orthodontics.

E.W. Google

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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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