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Phase One Orthodontics

Phase One orthodontics is an interceptive orthodontic treatment that addresses major dental problems in a young child’s mouth. This early orthodontic treatment can prevent more severe issues from occurring in the future, which may require complex orthodontic treatment such as permanent tooth extraction or orthognathic surgery. Phase One orthodontics allows orthodontists to create space for the permanent teeth and address the patient’s jaw structure to correct bite concerns.

Trielle Orthodontics provides phase I orthodontics in Union and the surrounding area. Our team can determine whether your child can benefit from corrective dental treatment. Call us today at (908) 206-4700 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Understanding Phase One Orthodontics

Phase One orthodontics is recommended when there is an immediate orthodontic problem in a young child that requires treatment. Children with severe jaw or tooth issues are good candidates for this treatment. Such orthodontic issues may include crossbites, underbites, severe overbites, jaw growth discrepancies, crowding, flared upper teeth, and spacing issues.

While some orthodontic issues may result from genetics, others may be due to injuries, early or late baby tooth loss, or habits, such as thumb sucking. Children who receive phase I orthodontics can benefit from proper teeth and jaw growth and a strong foundation for permanent teeth eruption. Early orthodontic treatment can also lower the risk of speech problems, periodontal diseases, cavities, and oral injuries.

“While some orthodontic issues may result from genetics, others may be due to injuries, early or late baby tooth loss, or habits, such as thumb sucking.”

Phase One Orthodontic Treatments

Patients may receive a combination of brackets and wires, palatal expanders, and space maintainers during phase I orthodontic treatment. The appliance used will depend on each patient and their needs. Palatal expanders are the most common early orthodontic treatment. They can correct crowding problems, make room for erupting adult teeth, correct skeletal issues like crossbites, and increase the nasal capacity for better breathing.

Space maintainers help manage premature baby tooth loss and prevent teeth misalignment, overcrowding, and other orthodontic conditions. Some children may also benefit from partial braces on their upper or lower front teeth to provide early minor correction for crossbites, crowded teeth, and spacing issues.

“Patients may receive a combination of brackets and wires, palatal expanders, and space maintainers during phase I orthodontic treatment.”

Phase One Treatment Length


The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends all children have their first orthodontic appointment by age seven. This appointment is not necessary to begin phase I treatment but to evaluate whether a child needs interceptive treatment for proper teeth growth and development. Children who need phase I orthodontics will usually start treatment between the ages of six and 10, during the mixed dentition phase.

Throughout this age range, the children’s jawbones are unfused, allowing for easier correction of crowding, skeletal, and breathing issues. Phase One treatment can take six to 18 months for most patients. After the correction is complete, the patient will wear a retainer to maintain the adjustments as they wait for their permanent teeth to erupt.

“Children who need phase I orthodontics will usually start treatment between the ages of six and 10.”

Moving On To Phase Two Treatment

After phase I orthodontics, children will continue to lose their remaining baby teeth while their permanent teeth erupt. Patients can move on to phase II treatment once all their adult teeth are in, usually around age 11 or older. Children who receive phase I orthodontic treatment often benefit from a shorter phase II treatment without the need for tooth extractions or surgery.

Not every child will need phase I orthodontic treatment. Some patients have shifted teeth that do not require immediate intervention and can wait to receive phase II treatment instead. However, it is still important for children to have orthodontic evaluations to determine the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

“Patients can move on to phase II treatment once all their adult teeth are in, usually around 11 to 12 years old.”

Orthodontist Qualifications


Orthodontists attend dental school like general and pediatric dentists but must also receive additional training and education. After dental school, people must complete a two to three-year orthodontic residency program to become specialists in orthodontics. They specialize in correcting misaligned bites, fixing jaw problems, and straightening teeth.

An orthodontist has the qualifications to treat patients of all ages, including young children. Orthodontists focus specifically on orthodontics and have the skills and experience to help children achieve healthy and attractive smiles. As specialists in jaw and tooth alignment, orthodontists can create personalized plans for patients and recommend them the right type of appliances for their needs.

“After dental school, people must complete a two to three-year orthodontic residency program to become specialists in orthodontics.”
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2333 Morris Ave,

Suite B-109

Union, NJ 07083

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