Phase 1 Orthodontics Explained: Why Early Treatment Matters

Every week, I meet parents who say, “I’m not sure if my child needs braces yet… but something about their bite just looks off.” Maybe a front tooth never had enough space. Maybe there’s mouth breathing at night. Or maybe it’s just a gut feeling that something in your child’s growth pattern isn’t quite right.

More often than not, you’re right to trust that instinct.

Today I want to walk you through one of the most misunderstood — but most powerful — stages of orthodontic care: Phase 1 treatment. When done at the right time, early orthodontic care doesn’t just straighten teeth; it can help guide how the face, jaws, and airway develop.

Hi, I’m Dr. Jeremy Manuele, Board Certified Orthodontist and Dentofacial Orthopedist in Las Vegas. At Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics and through VegasOrthoDoc.com, we help families understand when early treatment makes sense — and when careful monitoring is the smarter choice.

What “Phase 1” Orthodontics Really Means

Phase 1 orthodontics — also called early interceptive treatment — typically happens between ages 7 and 10, when kids still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. At this stage, the bones of the face and jaws are still developing and can be gently guided into better alignment.

In other words, we’re working with nature, not against it.

The goal isn’t a Hollywood smile at age eight — it’s to build a healthy foundation so that when all the adult teeth erupt, they have the space and support they need.

• Guide jaw growth while bones are still flexible
• Create space for future permanent teeth
• Support healthy airway and tongue position
• Reduce the need for extractions or surgery later

Why Timing Matters So Much

Think of jaw growth like wet clay — at a certain age, it’s still moldable, but as the teenage years arrive, that clay starts to harden. Phase 1 treatment takes advantage of that window of flexibility.

When we start during the right growth phase, we can:

• Gently expand a narrow upper jaw to improve bite function and airway space.
• Encourage a retrusive lower jaw to grow forward in a healthier position.
• Use light partial braces or removable expanders to guide eruption and prevent future crowding.

By addressing structural issues early, we often avoid:

• Unnecessary extractions
• Jaw surgery
• Prolonged or more complex Phase 2 braces

The best results in orthodontics aren’t just about what we do — but when we do it.

A Real Example: When Early Treatment Changes More Than a Smile

I met a 9-year-old patient — let’s call her Mia — whose dentist noted a crossbite. She was a chronic mouth breather and slept poorly. Her upper jaw was narrow, her lower teeth were shifting to one side, and her bite was developing asymmetrically.

We started Phase 1 treatment with a gentle palatal expander.

Within months:

• Her bite became more balanced.
• Her mom noticed Mia stopped snoring and woke up more rested.
• Her teacher reported better focus and participation in class.

That’s when it clicks for many parents: orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth — it’s about overall health and development, including breathing and sleep.

Signs Your Child Might Be Ready for Phase 1 Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7 — not because most kids need treatment then, but because that’s when potential growth issues are easiest to spot.

Here are common signs your child may benefit from an early orthodontic evaluation:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth (even mild crowding at age 7 can predict future problems)
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Mouth breathing or frequent snoring at night
• Difficulty chewing or biting evenly
• Crossbites, underbites, or open bites
• Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits past age 6
• A narrow smile or high-arched palate

If you notice one or two of these, it doesn’t automatically mean treatment is needed right away — but it is worth an evaluation to know for sure.

“But They’ll Lose Those Teeth Anyway…”

This is one of the most common questions I hear about early orthodontic treatment.

In Phase 1, we’re not just treating the baby teeth — we’re treating the bones and growth pattern underneath them.

By guiding jaw development now, we:

• Make space for adult teeth to erupt correctly
• Reduce the risk of impaction or severe crowding
• Help support nasal breathing and airway function

It’s like aligning the train tracks before the train comes through. When the jaws grow properly, breathing, bite, and facial balance tend to improve right along with them.

What Phase 1 Treatment Actually Looks Like

Phase 1 treatment is customized for each child, but often includes a combination of:

• Palatal expansion: Widen a narrow upper jaw, improve symmetry, and create space for permanent teeth and better airflow.
• Partial braces or aligners: Guide the eruption of key teeth and improve early alignment.
• Functional appliances: Correct jaw position or bite discrepancies while bones are still growing.
• Habit correction: Help break thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting patterns that affect jaw growth.

Treatment usually lasts 4–12 months, followed by a rest period while the remaining adult teeth erupt. Later, if needed, we may do a shorter Phase 2 to fine-tune alignment — and some kids who have early treatment may not need full braces at all.

The Big Picture: Growing Healthy, Not Just Straight

Orthodontics isn’t just cosmetic. It’s about creating balance in how your child breathes, chews, sleeps, and grows.

Guiding development early isn’t forcing growth; it’s helping it happen the way it was meant to — with properly aligned jaws, space for teeth, and room for healthy breathing.

That’s what makes Phase 1 orthodontics so powerful: it’s proactive, not reactive, giving your child the best chance at a healthy, confident smile that lasts.

If You’re Wondering What’s Right for Your Child

If you’re in Las Vegas, we’d love to meet you at Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics for a comprehensive evaluation. We’ll take 3D images, assess how your child’s teeth and jaws are growing, and give you an honest, personalized roadmap — whether that means starting now or simply monitoring.

Not local? Visit VegasOrthoDoc.com to securely upload records for a virtual review. The earlier we check, the more options we have — and that can make all the difference.

Early orthodontics isn’t about starting sooner. It’s about starting smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phase 1 Orthodontics

What age is best for Phase 1 treatment?

Most Phase 1 treatments happen between ages 7 and 10, when kids still have a mix of baby and adult teeth and jaw bones are very responsive to growth guidance.

Will my child still need braces later?

Sometimes, yes — but Phase 1 often makes Phase 2 shorter, simpler, and more predictable. In some cases, kids who have early treatment may not need full braces at all.

Is Phase 1 orthodontics always necessary?

No. Many kids simply need monitoring until they’re ready for one comprehensive phase of treatment. The key is getting evaluated early enough to keep all options open.