Every parent wants the best for their child—especially when it comes to their health and confidence. While many people think orthodontic treatment doesn't begin until all of the permanent teeth have erupted, some children benefit from treatment much earlier.
At Ann Arbor Orthodontics, we carefully monitor children's growth and development to determine whether early orthodontic treatment can help create a healthier smile and reduce the need for more complex treatment later.
Early orthodontic treatment, often called Phase 1 Treatment, typically begins while a child still has a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This usually occurs between the ages of 7 and 10, when the jaws are still developing and orthodontic issues can often be corrected more effectively.
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment, but an early evaluation allows us to identify developing concerns before they become more significant.
The goal of Phase 1 treatment isn't simply to straighten teeth. Instead, it focuses on guiding proper jaw development and creating the best possible foundation for permanent teeth.
Benefits of early orthodontic treatment may include:
Treating these concerns at the right time may reduce the complexity of treatment as your child grows.
After Phase 1 treatment is complete, most children enter a resting period while their remaining permanent teeth continue to erupt naturally. During this time, we'll continue monitoring your child's growth with periodic checkups.
Once the permanent teeth have fully erupted, some patients benefit from Phase 2 Treatment, which focuses on achieving the final tooth alignment and bite correction. This phase often involves braces or Invisalign to create a healthy, beautiful, and long-lasting smile.
Because much of the foundational work was completed during Phase 1, Phase 2 treatment is often more efficient and predictable.
No. Many children never require Phase 1 treatment and begin orthodontic care only after all of their permanent teeth have erupted. Others benefit greatly from early intervention because of developing jaw or bite problems.
That's why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. An early evaluation doesn't necessarily mean treatment will begin immediately—it simply allows orthodontists to determine the ideal timing for your child's individual needs.
Every child develops differently, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to orthodontic treatment. At Ann Arbor Orthodontics, we create personalized treatment plans based on each child's growth, bite, and long-term oral health.
If you'd like to learn more about early orthodontic care, visit our Phase 1 Treatment page:
https://a2ortho.com/phase-1-treatment
To learn how treatment continues after all permanent teeth have erupted, visit our Phase 2 Treatment page:
