If your child has crowded teeth, a developing bite problem or a difference in how their jaws are growing, you might be wondering whether they need orthodontic treatment now or if it’s better to wait until they’re older.
While many children begin orthodontic treatment during their teenage years, some may benefit from earlier intervention while their teeth and jaws are still developing.
This is known as early orthodontic treatment, sometimes called Phase 1 or interceptive orthodontic treatment. But what does it involve, and how do you know if it’s right for your child?
Quick Summary
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What is early orthodontic treatment? Also known as Phase 1 or interceptive orthodontic treatment, it addresses specific dental and bite concerns while a child is still growing.
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When should my child see an orthodontist? An initial orthodontic assessment around age 7 can help identify developing concerns, although treatment may not be necessary.
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Why might early treatment be recommended? Certain crossbites, protruding front teeth, space problems and developing jaw discrepancies may benefit from early intervention.
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What treatments are available? Options may include palatal expanders, partial braces, functional appliances, space maintainers or clear aligners, depending on your child’s needs.
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Will my child still need braces later? Possibly. Some children require a second phase of orthodontic treatment once more permanent teeth have emerged.
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Does every child need early treatment? No. Many children benefit from regular orthodontic monitoring rather than immediate treatment.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive or Phase 1 treatment, is orthodontic care provided while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth.
Unlike comprehensive orthodontic treatment, which usually takes place once most adult teeth have emerged, early treatment focuses on addressing specific concerns during a child’s development.
For example, an orthodontist may recommend treatment to manage a crossbite, create space for developing permanent teeth or address certain jaw-related concerns.
The goal isn’t necessarily to straighten every tooth at this stage. Instead, treatment is focused on a particular orthodontic problem that may benefit from intervention during childhood.
An initial orthodontic assessment around age seven can help identify these concerns, although treatment isn’t always necessary. Learn more in our guide to your child’s first orthodontic visit.
When Might a Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Not every orthodontic concern needs to be addressed immediately. However, there are certain situations where early intervention may be recommended.
Crossbites Affecting Jaw Position
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting together.
Some crossbites can cause a child to shift their lower jaw to one side to achieve a comfortable bite.
Depending on the cause, early treatment may involve widening a narrow upper dental arch or repositioning affected teeth to improve how the teeth meet.
Protruding Front Teeth
Children with significantly protruding upper front teeth may have an increased risk of dental injury, particularly during falls or contact sports.
In selected cases, early orthodontic treatment may be considered to reduce this protrusion and the associated injury risk.
However, treatment timing depends on several factors, and early intervention doesn’t necessarily eliminate the need for further treatment later.
Space Problems Affecting Adult Teeth
Sometimes, permanent teeth don’t have enough room to emerge into an appropriate position.
In certain cases, early orthodontic treatment may help manage the available space or guide the eruption of developing teeth.
This doesn’t mean every child with crowded teeth needs early treatment. Mild crowding can often be monitored until more permanent teeth have emerged.
Developing Jaw Discrepancies
Some children have differences in how their upper and lower jaws are developing.
Certain orthodontic appliances may be used during growth to address particular jaw or bite relationships.
Whether this is appropriate depends on the type of discrepancy, your child’s growth stage and the treatment objectives.
What Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Involve?
Early orthodontic treatment can look quite different from the braces or clear aligners commonly associated with teenage orthodontics.
Depending on your child’s needs, your Specialist Orthodontist may recommend one or more of the following appliances.
Palatal Expanders
A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw or dental arch in suitable growing patients.
It may be recommended when the upper jaw is too narrow, particularly where this contributes to certain crossbites or space-related concerns.
Partial Braces
Rather than fitting braces to every tooth, partial braces may be used to move a smaller number of teeth.
These can help address particular alignment or bite concerns during the early stages of dental development.
Functional Appliances
Functional appliances may be recommended for certain developing jaw relationships, particularly in children who are still growing.
They are not suitable for every jaw discrepancy, and treatment timing can influence whether they’re appropriate.
Space Maintainers and Other Appliances
If a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected, a space maintainer may sometimes be recommended to help preserve room for the permanent tooth.
Other appliances may also be used to address individual concerns.
Your Specialist Orthodontist will explain which treatment, if any, is appropriate for your child’s development.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign First or Spark Junior, may be used during early orthodontic treatment to address crowding, spacing and certain bite concerns. They can also help create or regain space for emerging permanent teeth in suitable cases.
Because aligners are removable, treatment requires consistent wear, typically around 20–22 hours per day. Your Specialist Orthodontist will assess your child’s teeth, bite and jaw development to determine whether clear aligners are an appropriate treatment option.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
When clinically indicated, early treatment can offer benefits that relate to a child’s specific orthodontic needs.
These may include:
- Addressing certain bite problems during growth: Some crossbites and developing jaw relationships may benefit from intervention at a particular stage.
- Managing space for permanent teeth: Selected treatments can help preserve or improve the space available for emerging adult teeth.
- Reducing injury risk: Treatment of significantly protruding front teeth may help reduce the risk of dental trauma in some children.
- Addressing specific functional concerns: Where tooth or jaw positioning is affecting how a child bites or chews, treatment may help address the underlying orthodontic problem.
However, these benefits don’t apply to every child, and early treatment isn’t automatically preferable to waiting.
Orthodontic appliances also require care and cooperation, and treatment can involve discomfort, oral hygiene challenges and other risks that should be discussed before starting.
Your orthodontist will consider the potential benefits, limitations and alternatives when making a recommendation.
Will My Child Still Need Braces Later?
This is an important question for parents considering early orthodontic treatment.
Yes, some children who undergo Phase 1 treatment will still need braces or clear aligners when they’re older.
Early treatment is usually designed to address a specific concern rather than complete all orthodontic correction.
As the remaining permanent teeth emerge and the jaws continue to develop, a second phase of treatment may be recommended to address alignment and bite concerns.
Other children may not require further treatment.
Starting early doesn’t necessarily mean shorter treatment overall, fewer appointments or lower costs. In some cases, treatment involves two separate phases, each with its own objectives.
Understanding this before starting helps parents make informed decisions about their child’s orthodontic care.
What Happens If My Child Doesn’t Need Treatment Yet?
For many children, the most appropriate recommendation is to monitor how their teeth and jaws develop rather than begin treatment immediately.
Our Specialist Orthodontists may recommend annual review appointments to monitor your child’s development.
During these reviews, we can assess how permanent teeth are emerging, how the bite is developing and whether any changes may affect future treatment recommendations.
This helps our team determine if treatment becomes necessary and when it may be appropriate to begin.
For parents, it provides an opportunity to understand their child’s orthodontic development without committing to treatment before it’s needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontic Treatment
At What Age Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Start?
There isn’t one specific age for early treatment. Some children may benefit from treatment during the mixed dentition stage, when they have both baby and adult teeth. The appropriate timing depends on the orthodontic concern and the child’s dental and jaw development.
How Long Does Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the problem being addressed and the appliance used. Some early treatments take several months, while others may take longer. Your Specialist Orthodontist can provide an estimated timeframe after assessing your child.
Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Painful?
Children may experience temporary pressure, tenderness or discomfort when an appliance is first fitted or adjusted. The experience varies depending on the treatment. Your orthodontic team will explain what to expect and how to manage discomfort.
Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Always Better Than Waiting?
Not necessarily. While some orthodontic concerns benefit from intervention during growth, others can be treated later without a disadvantage from waiting. The most appropriate approach depends on your child’s individual needs.
Does Your Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?
If you’re unsure whether your child would benefit from early orthodontic treatment, an assessment with a Specialist Orthodontist can help you understand their options.
At L&L Orthodontics, our Specialist Orthodontists assess your child’s teeth, bite and jaw development before recommending a treatment approach.
Whether early intervention is appropriate or monitoring is recommended, we’ll explain our findings and help you understand the next steps.
Visit us at our Melbourne CBD or Templestowe clinic.
Book an orthodontic consultation to learn more about your child’s orthodontic development.
Consultation required to assess suitability for treatment. Recommendations, treatment duration and outcomes vary depending on individual orthodontic needs.