Treatment
Phase 1 early treatment
Phase 1 orthodontics, sometimes called early or interceptive orthodontic treatment, is treatment provided while a child still has a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth.
It is not intended for every child. Phase 1 is used when there is a specific problem that may be better addressed while the jaws are still developing, such as certain crossbites, a narrow upper jaw, significant crowding, abnormal eruption patterns, or other concerns involving the developing bite.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up when a problem is first recognized and no later than age 7. At that visit, the recommendation may be to begin treatment, monitor growth and development, or simply return for future observation. An early evaluation does not mean your child will need early treatment.
Which children need Phase 1 treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7 because, by this stage, enough permanent teeth have usually erupted for an orthodontist to evaluate how the teeth, jaws, and bite are developing.
Signs worth mentioning at your child's evaluation include:
- Baby teeth being lost unusually early or remaining much longer than expected.
- Permanent teeth coming in crowded, overlapping, rotated, or in an unusual position.
- A crossbite, underbite, open bite, or upper and lower teeth that do not fit together normally.
- A jaw that shifts to one side when your child closes their mouth.
- Front teeth that protrude and may be more vulnerable to injury.
- Significant crowding or too little room for permanent teeth to erupt.
- Difficulty biting or chewing.
- Persistent thumb or finger habits.
- Mouth breathing or other oral habits that you have noticed and would like evaluated.
These signs do not automatically mean treatment is required. They simply give the orthodontist important information about your child's growth and development.
What happens during Phase 1?
An early orthodontic visit should feel comfortable and age-appropriate. Parents are included in the conversation, and we explain what we see in language both you and your child can understand.
A first check-up.
At your child's complimentary Smile Analysis, we evaluate how the teeth, jaws, and bite are developing. We take the photographs, digital records, and any other records that are clinically appropriate to understand what is happening now and what may be developing beneath the surface.
Treat now, or watch.
Dr. Camille J. Rose Kong explains whether there is a reason to intervene now or whether the better approach is simply to monitor growth and eruption over time. For many children, observation is the appropriate next step. Early evaluation does not mean early treatment.
A focused plan.
If Phase 1 treatment is recommended, it is designed around a specific objective rather than simply straightening every tooth. Depending on your child's needs, treatment may include an expander, limited braces, space management, or another orthodontic appliance selected for the developing problem.
Regular visits.
During Phase 1, appointments allow us to monitor progress, make necessary adjustments, and make sure treatment is accomplishing its intended goal. We explain each step before it happens so your child knows what to expect.
A period of observation.
Once the Phase 1 goals have been achieved, active treatment often pauses while additional permanent teeth erupt and the jaws continue to develop. We continue to monitor your child at appropriate intervals so we can determine whether additional treatment will eventually be beneficial.
How long does Phase 1 take?
Phase 1 treatment is generally focused on a specific developmental problem, so its length depends on what needs to be corrected and how your child responds to treatment.
Some children later benefit from a second phase of orthodontic treatment once more or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Others may require little additional treatment, and the eventual need for Phase 2 depends on the child's growth, tooth eruption, bite, and treatment goals.
At the beginning of treatment, Dr. Rose explains what Phase 1 is intended to accomplish, the estimated treatment time, and what we currently anticipate for the future. Because children are still growing, those expectations may change as development continues.
How does Dr. Rose approach early treatment?
Dr. Camille J. Rose Kong takes a conservative, health-first approach to early orthodontic care. Every recommendation begins with your child's teeth, gums, bite, jaw development, and overall oral health.
The goal is not to begin orthodontic treatment simply because a child has reached a certain age. The goal is to identify whether there is a problem that would genuinely benefit from being addressed while your child is still growing.
If treatment is not needed, Dr. Rose will tell you.
If the right plan is to watch growth and development, your child can return for periodic observation so treatment, if it becomes necessary, can be timed appropriately.
If another dental or medical specialist should be involved, Dr. Rose will explain why and help guide you toward the appropriate next step.
For children, early treatment is recommended when there is a meaningful reason to intervene at that stage of development, not simply because treatment can be done.
What is it like to be treated at Luminary?
At Luminary Orthodontics, we understand that a child's first orthodontic experience can shape how they feel about dental care for years to come.
We take time to make the environment comfortable, explain what we are doing before we begin, and allow children to become familiar with the process at their own pace.
Parents are part of the conversation. Your questions are welcomed, recommendations are explained clearly, and you should always understand what happens next and why.
Our goal is for your child to leave each visit feeling cared for, respected, and confident, not simply treated.
And when active orthodontic treatment is eventually complete, we provide a clear retention plan designed to help protect the result for the long term.
What is Phase 2?
Phase 2 is comprehensive orthodontic treatment that may be recommended after Phase 1, generally once most or all permanent teeth have erupted.
Where Phase 1 focuses on a specific developmental concern, Phase 2 addresses the final alignment of the teeth and bite. Depending on the patient's needs, this may involve braces, clear aligners, or another orthodontic approach.
Not every child who has an early evaluation needs Phase 1, and Phase 1 does not ensure that comprehensive treatment will be unnecessary later.
The purpose of early treatment is to address selected problems at the stage when doing so may offer a meaningful advantage, not simply to move treatment earlier.
What should parents know?
- An orthodontic evaluation at age 7 does not mean your child needs braces at age 7.
- Parents are welcome to be involved in the examination, discussion, and treatment decisions.
- We explain what we see in clear language and show you the records that help us make our recommendations.
- If no treatment is needed, we will tell you.
- If observation is the right approach, we will explain what we are watching and when we would like to see your child again.
- When possible, we work with families to schedule appointments around school and other commitments.
- Our team reviews available orthodontic insurance benefits and financial options with you before treatment begins.
- No treatment starts until you understand the recommendation and feel comfortable moving forward.
Common questions
Why age 7?
Around age 7, many children have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth, including the first permanent molars and front teeth. That gives an orthodontist valuable information about how the bite is developing, whether permanent teeth have enough room to erupt, and whether the jaws are developing appropriately.
Some orthodontic concerns are easier to identify, and in selected cases easier to address, while a child is still growing. That is why the AAO recommends a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7.
If your child is younger than 7 and you notice something that concerns you, you do not need to wait until their seventh birthday to schedule an evaluation.
Does an early check-up mean my child will need braces now?
No.
An early orthodontic evaluation is primarily about understanding how your child's teeth and jaws are developing.
Your child may need no treatment, may simply be monitored periodically, or may have a specific problem for which early treatment would be beneficial.
If treatment is recommended, Dr. Rose explains what she sees, why treatment may be helpful now, what the treatment is intended to accomplish, and what alternatives are available before you make a decision.
Will my child need a second phase?
Possibly.
Some children who receive Phase 1 treatment later benefit from comprehensive orthodontic treatment after more permanent teeth have erupted. Whether Phase 2 will be needed depends on your child's growth, tooth eruption, bite, and the objectives of the first phase.
Phase 1 should therefore be viewed as treatment for a specific developmental problem, not as a promise that additional orthodontic treatment will never be needed.
We will discuss what we anticipate from the beginning and continue to update you as your child grows.
Does insurance cover Phase 1?
Some dental plans include orthodontic benefits that may apply to early treatment, while others have limitations, age requirements, lifetime maximums, waiting periods, or other conditions.
Our team reviews the benefit information available to us and explains how it may apply to your child's proposed treatment.
Because final coverage is determined by the insurance carrier and the terms of your individual plan, we believe in being clear about what has been verified, what is estimated, and what may still require confirmation before treatment begins.
Do I need a referral from our dentist?
No. A parent can schedule an orthodontic evaluation directly without a referral from a general dentist or pediatric dentist.
If your child's dentist, pediatric dentist, pediatrician, or another healthcare provider recommended the evaluation, please let us know. With your permission, we can communicate with the appropriate provider so your child's care remains coordinated.
Sources
- Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment: Phase 1 & 2 Braces GuideAmerican Association of Orthodontists. Read September 30, 2026.
Your next step
The simplest way to find out what is right for you is a complimentary Smile Analysis. Reserve a time online, or call or text us and we will be glad to help.