Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, or interceptive treatment, is recommended when there is a problem that needs to be corrected prior to all the adult teeth erupting. Phase 1 orthodontic treatment typically occurs anywhere from age 7-11, while comprehensive, or Phase II, orthodontic treatment is for ages 11 and up. Examples of issues that need to corrected with Phase 1 treatment can include: anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite, snoring, and teeth that may be stuck and not erupt. Phase 1 treatment can include expanders, limited braces, and evenInvisalign®clear aligners.
FAQs about Phase 1 orthodontic treatment:
When should my child be evaluated for Phase 1? Age 7 for all children, as recommended by our doctors, as well as the American Association of Orthodontics
How likely is it that my child needs Phase 1? About 15% of our patients need Phase 1 treatment. An x-ray and evaluation by an orthodontist is needed to determine this.
Do I need a referral from my dentist? No. You can call us at 513-722-6500 directly to schedule an evaluation.
What if my child snores? An orthodontic expander along with a tonsil and adenoid evaluation by an ENT physician has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce snoring in children.
How long is Phase 1 treatment? 6-12 months typically.
Why don’t we just wait and fix everything in one phase? For 85% of our patients, we do. However, some issues are most effectively treated at a younger age. For example, a palatal expander works best before the palate fuses together.
In Levi’s case, he had an anterior crossbite, where his top teeth were behind his bottom teeth. This bite issue was causing the bottom teeth to be pushed forward, which can result in lower recession and chipping of the front teeth. We used upper braces to align the upper teeth. Once the bite problem was resolved, the lower teeth moved back into position without even needing lower braces. As you can see, Levi loves his new smile and bite, and he now has the confidence to smile big in pictures!