Early Intervention for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?

Designed for children between the ages of 6 and 10, this early intervention focuses on preventing more serious dental issues later in life. If you’re a parent, you don’t have to wait until all permanent teeth have come in before thinking about orthodontics for your child. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the ideal time for a first orthodontic evaluation is age 7, when early signs of alignment or jaw issues may already be present.

At Perfect Smiles Beverly, we take a conservative, personalized approach only recommending Phase 1 treatment when it truly benefits your child’s long-term health and development.

Phase 1 Orthodontics focuses on early growth and development, identifying potential problems before they fully develop. At this stage, your child still has some primary (baby) teeth alongside permanent ones, allowing our team to gently influence the growth of the jaws and spacing of teeth.

Common goals of Phase 1 treatment include:

• Creating space for incoming permanent teeth
• Correcting harmful oral habits (like thumb sucking or mouth breathing)
• Guiding proper jaw growth
• Improving facial symmetry
• Reducing the risk of tooth trauma
• Addressing crossbites, underbites, or overbites

We may recommend removable appliances, partial braces, or other custom devices depending on your child’s specific needs. Phase 1 is not about rushing into braces it’s about laying a healthy foundation for future development.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Phase 1 Orthodontics

Not every child needs early orthodontic care. However, if any of the following signs are present, it may be time for an evaluation:

• Crowded front teeth by age 7 or 8
• Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Jaw shifting or clicking sounds
• Breathing through the mouth
• Speech difficulties or tongue thrusting
• Protruding teeth (which may be at risk for trauma)

Early treatment can significantly reduce the complexity, duration, and cost of future orthodontic work. At Perfect Smiles Beverly, we always conduct a full assessment, including digital imaging, bite analysis, and growth projections, before recommending any course of action. If Phase 1 treatment is advised, we’ll guide you and your child every step of the way with care, clarity, and comfort.