The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age seven, when the jaws are still growing and early problems may be easier to correct.
Phase I treatment can guide growth, create space for permanent teeth, and correct developing crossbites, underbites, and bite problems.
Most children do not need treatment at age seven. We monitor growth and recommend early treatment only when it provides a clear advantage.
We evaluate the teeth, bite, jaw growth, and developing permanent teeth. If your child isn't ready, we simply monitor growth.
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Treatment timed to growth
Early treatment isn't about starting as soon as possible. It's about choosing the right time during growth to make treatment most effective.
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Focused Phase I treatment
Treatment may include Invisalign First, a palatal expander, braces, facemask therapy, or other appliances, depending on your child's needs.
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Monitor and finish
After Phase I, we monitor growth and permanent tooth eruption. A second phase with Invisalign or braces is recommended only if needed.
Signs to look for
When does a child need Phase I orthodontics?
Early orthodontic treatment may be recommended when growth gives us an opportunity to correct a developing problem.
Crossbite or narrow upper jaw
A crossbite or narrow palate may be treated with a palatal expander or other expansion treatment while the jaw is still growing.
Crowding or not enough space
Early treatment can create or preserve room for developing permanent teeth and help guide them into better positions.
Underbite
For certain growing children with an underbite or Class III bite, expansion and facemask treatment may help guide upper-jaw growth.
Excessive overjet
Protruding upper front teeth may benefit from early bite correction and can be more vulnerable to injury.
Impacted or blocked permanent teeth
Early detection can give us more options to create space and guide permanent teeth into the mouth.
Open bite or oral habits
Thumb sucking, tongue habits, and other patterns can affect developing teeth and jaws. Addressing them early may prevent the bite from becoming more difficult to correct.
The age-seven visit
Why age 7?
At age seven, an orthodontist can see how the permanent teeth, baby teeth, bite, and growing jaws are developing together.
An early evaluation doesn't mean early treatment.
Sometimes the best treatment at seven is simply to watch and wait.
Appliances
Invisalign First for Kids
Invisalign First is designed for growing children who still have a combination of baby and permanent teeth.
For the right patient, Invisalign First can help create space, expand the arches, straighten teeth, and correct developing bite problems.
We also offer Invisalign Palatal Expander, traditional expanders, and braces. We choose the appliance based on what will give your child the most predictable result — not simply one type of treatment for everyone.
Phase I is early orthodontic treatment performed while a child still has some baby teeth and is actively growing. It focuses on problems that may benefit from being treated before all permanent teeth arrive.
Does my 7-year-old need braces?
Usually not. The purpose of the age-seven visit is to identify developing problems and determine the best time for treatment.
Does my child need a palate expander?
An expander may be recommended for a narrow upper jaw, crossbite, or lack of space. Not every child needs expansion.
Can children use Invisalign?
Yes. Invisalign First is designed specifically for younger children with a mixture of baby and permanent teeth.
Will my child need braces or Invisalign again?
Some children benefit from a second phase after the permanent teeth erupt. Phase I addresses problems that are best corrected during earlier growth.
How long does Phase I treatment take?
Treatment varies by child and the problem being corrected. Phase I is designed to be focused rather than treating everything before the permanent teeth have erupted.
Early Orthodontic Treatment in San Francisco
Bella Smile provides Phase I orthodontics, Invisalign First, palatal expansion, early braces, crossbite treatment, and early bite correction for children in San Francisco.
Our philosophy is simple:
Treat early when growth gives us an advantage. Wait when it doesn't.
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