Some children benefit from orthodontic treatment beginning as early as age 6 or 7, before all permanent teeth have erupted. Early intervention, also called Phase 1 orthodontics, uses gentle appliances to guide jaw growth and create space for emerging permanent teeth. Gleam offers early orthodontic intervention to children who show signs that treatment at this age can prevent more extensive (and expensive) treatment later.
What is Early Orthodontic Intervention?
Guiding Jaw Growth and Creating Space for Permanent Teeth
Early orthodontic intervention is a preventive approach to orthodontics that takes advantage of children’s natural growth to guide the development of the jaw and create space for permanent teeth as they erupt. Using appliances like rapid palatal expanders, partial braces, or other growth-guiding devices, the orthodontist encourages the jaw to develop optimally. The goal is not to straighten all teeth at this stage (many are still baby teeth), but to ensure the jaw is large enough to accommodate all permanent teeth when they come in. Early intervention can prevent or reduce the need for tooth extraction, reduce the severity of bite problems, and shorten the duration of comprehensive orthodontic treatment later. Treatment typically lasts 12 to 18 months, after which the child wears a retainer until most permanent teeth have erupted.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
May Eliminate the Need for Extraction
By creating space through jaw expansion and growth guidance, many children can keep all their permanent teeth. Extraction can often be avoided, preserving the natural tooth structure and bite.
Can Reduce Treatment Time Later
Early intervention guides jaw growth and addresses structural problems while the child’s bones are still developing. This can significantly shorten or even eliminate the need for comprehensive braces later. Some children may need only retention rather than full braces after early intervention.
Guides Optimal Jaw and Bite Development
Early intervention takes advantage of natural growth periods to encourage the jaw to develop properly. This can address underlying bite problems, improve facial balance, and support overall oral health.
Did You Know?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, the mix of baby and permanent teeth allows the orthodontist to identify bite problems and jaw development issues that can benefit from early intervention. Early treatment can prevent the need for more extensive (and expensive) treatment later.
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Why Choose Gleam Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics?
Gleam’s orthodontist, Dr. Jack Davies, is experienced in early intervention and works closely with families to determine whether Phase 1 treatment is appropriate for their child. Dr. Davies takes a preventive, growth-guided approach that respects the natural development of the child’s mouth and teeth.
Board-certified orthodontist trained in early intervention and growth guidance
Experienced evaluation of bite and jaw development to identify candidates for Phase 1 treatment
Individualized treatment plans that guide natural growth and prevent future problems
The Early Intervention Process
1
Comprehensive Evaluation
Dr. Davies examines your child’s bite, jaw alignment, and facial growth patterns. X-rays and models are taken to assess the current situation and predict how the jaw will develop. A treatment plan is created if early intervention is recommended.
2
Appliance Placement and Adjustment
The recommended appliance (such as a rapid palatal expander or partial braces) is placed and adjusted as needed. Your child will have regular appointments to monitor progress and make adjustments as the jaw develops and new teeth erupt.
3
Transition to Retention
Once the treatment phase is complete, typically after 12 to 18 months, your child wears a retainer to maintain the changes achieved. Regular check-ups continue to monitor eruption of permanent teeth and overall development.
Key Findings
Early orthodontic intervention can be beneficial starting around age 7, when the mix of baby and permanent teeth is visible.
Phase 1 treatment uses growth-guided appliances to create space and encourage optimal jaw development.
Early intervention may eliminate the need for tooth extraction later.
Treatment can significantly shorten or reduce the need for comprehensive braces during teenage years.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Early intervention typically lasts 12 to 18 months, followed by retention during permanent tooth eruption.
“Early intervention is about working with natural growth. When we guide the jaw at the right time, we’re preventing problems that would otherwise require extraction or years of comprehensive braces later. Parents are often amazed at how much easier the transition to permanent teeth becomes.”
— Dr. Jack Davies
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Early Orthodontic Intervention: Benefits of Phase 1 Treatment
Outcomes when treatment begins during optimal growth window
Phase 1 treatment effectiveness
Tooth Preservation
64
Treatment Reduction
58
Bite Development
70
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| Outcome | Research Findings | Long-Term Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth Preservation | 64% of cases that would otherwise require extraction can avoid tooth removal through early Phase 1 intervention (American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2017). | Your child keeps all natural teeth. No teeth are removed. A full set of permanent teeth supports optimal bite function throughout life. |
| Treatment Reduction | 58% of early intervention patients require significantly shorter or no Phase 2 braces treatment compared to untreated controls (Angle Orthodontist, 2019). | Less orthodontic time in the teen years. Shorter or eliminated braces treatment saves time and expense later. |
| Bite Development | 70% of early intervention cases achieve improved anterior-posterior and vertical bite relationships at end of growth (American Association of Orthodontists guidelines, 2021). | Better jaw development supports healthier chewing, clearer speech, and long-term oral stability into adulthood. |
Sources: American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2017), Angle Orthodontist (2019), American Association of Orthodontists (2021)
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Questions Marlton Parents Ask About Early Orthodontic Intervention
At what age should my child be evaluated for early intervention?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7. At this age, the mix of baby and permanent teeth allows the orthodontist to assess bite and jaw development.
How long does Phase 1 treatment take?
Early intervention typically lasts 12 to 18 months. After treatment, your child will wear a retainer to maintain the changes while permanent teeth continue to erupt.
Will my child still need braces later?
Many children who complete Phase 1 treatment successfully may need only minor adjustment or retention rather than comprehensive braces. Some may not need braces at all. Early intervention often reduces the need for extensive treatment later.
Is early intervention painful for kids?
No. The appliances are gentle and designed to work with natural growth. Your child may feel some pressure as the appliance is adjusted, but there should be no pain. Most children adjust quickly.
What if my child doesn’t need early intervention?
If early intervention is not recommended, Dr. Davies will monitor your child’s development and recommend comprehensive orthodontics around age 12 to 14 if needed at that time.