EARLY ORTHODONTICS
Phase 1 interceptive treatment: early orthodontics, on time
Early treatment for ages 6 to 10 that guides jaw growth and makes room for permanent teeth before small problems grow.
Some bite and spacing problems are easiest to fix while your child is still growing. Phase 1 interceptive treatment, guided by our board-certified orthodontist and pediatric dentist together, steps in between ages 6 and 10 to shape that growth — so your child needs less treatment later, not more.
What's included
Palate expanders
Gently widen a narrow upper jaw to make room for permanent teeth to come in straight, correcting crowding before it sets in.
Habit appliances
Stop thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting before they push teeth out of line or affect jaw growth. Often paired with a tongue habit appliance.
Temporary anchorage devices (TADs)
For more complex cases, these small anchors give the orthodontist a fixed point to move specific teeth with precision.
A plan that sets up Phase 2
Shaping growth early often means shorter, simpler braces later — once the permanent teeth are in and ready.
What to expect at the visit
- 1 An early evaluation — we recommend a first orthodontic check around age 7 — to see whether treatment helps now or is better to wait.
- 2 If Phase 1 is the right call, a clear plan: which appliance, how long, and what each visit involves, explained before anything starts.
- 3 Short, comfortable adjustment visits, coordinated with your child's regular dental checkups under the same roof.
- 4 A monitoring plan afterward, so we can watch how the permanent teeth come in and tell you honestly whether Phase 2 is needed.
Why parents choose Say Cheez for this
- Our board-certified orthodontist and pediatric dentist read your child's growth together — early problems get caught by our specialists, not missed between offices.
- We recommend early treatment only when timing truly helps, and we're comfortable saying "not yet" when waiting is the smarter call.
- Every appliance is fitted for your child specifically, with the calm, narrated care that makes kids okay with the chair.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is Phase 1 interceptive treatment, and why does timing matter?
Phase 1 is early orthodontic care that addresses developing jaw and bite issues while your child is still growing — usually between ages 6 and 10. Guiding that growth on time makes room for permanent teeth and often reduces the treatment needed later.
When should my child have a first orthodontic evaluation?
Around age 7. Our pediatric dentist in Bergen County, NJ checks how your child's teeth and jaw are developing and tells you honestly whether early treatment helps now or whether waiting is the better choice.
What appliances are used during Phase 1?
It depends on your child. Common options include palate expanders to widen the jaw, habit appliances to curb thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting, and temporary anchorage devices (TADs) for more complex cases. Each plan is tailored to what your child actually needs.
Will my child still need braces after Phase 1?
Sometimes. Phase 1 fixes foundational issues, while Phase 2 — usually in the teen years — fine-tunes alignment. We keep watching how the permanent teeth come in and only recommend more treatment when it truly helps.
Is early orthodontic treatment comfortable for kids?
Yes. We use gentle techniques and go at your child's pace, narrating each step so nothing is a surprise. Keeping early visits calm is a big part of how we make the whole journey easier.