What is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase 1 orthodontic care is the first stage in a potential two-phase process designed to guide jaw development, create space for permanent teeth, and correct structural issues early on. We typically recommend this treatment for children during their early mixed dentition phase—when they have both baby and adult teeth—but it can also benefit teens and adults with long-standing or untreated alignment concerns.

By addressing these issues during key developmental windows, Phase 1 treatment can reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic work later, setting the stage for smoother, shorter, and more successful outcomes in the future.

Who Can Benefit from Early Orthodontic Care?

While many Phase 1 patients are younger children, interceptive care can be highly valuable for older patients too.

• Children (6–10 years old): Ideal for catching crowding, underbites, overbites, or narrow arches early. Phase 1 can reduce the need for extractions or jaw surgery later.
• Teens: For those who missed early treatment, Phase 1 techniques can help correct bite problems and prep for full braces or aligners.
• Adults: Interceptive treatment for adults may involve preparing the bite for restorative work, managing long-standing misalignment, or easing discomfort caused by jaw imbalance.

Conditions Treated With Phase 1 Orthodontics

Our Central Austin team uses early interceptive treatment to address a variety of concerns, including:

• Crossbites, underbites, and overbites
• Narrow dental arches
• Crowding or excessive spacing
• Protruding front teeth
• Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrust habits
• Blocked or impacted teeth
• Jaw growth imbalances or asymmetry

Whether you’re a parent spotting early signs in your child or an adult experiencing discomfort or shifting, we can help identify the best next steps.

What to Expect from Phase 1 Treatment

Your Phase 1 journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including the iTero® Digital Scanner, panoramic X-rays, and intraoral cameras to evaluate growth and tooth development without the mess or discomfort of traditional impressions.

Treatment typically lasts 9 to 12 months and may include:

• Palatal expanders
• Partial braces
• Space maintainers
• Retainers or habit-correction appliances

Treatment is followed by a resting phase for children, where we monitor natural development until all adult teeth come in. Teens and adults may move directly into Phase 2 or complete treatment in a single phase, depending on the case’s complexity.

Why Families in Central Austin Choose Us

Our Phase 1 patients enjoy visits that are both high-tech and low-stress. From friendly staff and warm blankets to in-room TVs and goodie bags, we make each experience positive—especially for young kids or first-timers. We also offer flexible financing options to keep care accessible, including:

• Payment by cash, check, or card
• Convenient monthly plans
• In-house membership discounts

We explain each treatment step and educate families along the way so everyone feels confident and informed.

Benefits of Starting with Phase 1

• Minimizes the need for future procedures like extractions or jaw surgery
• Improves speech, breathing, and bite function early in development
• Boosts confidence in kids and teens with noticeable dental issues
• Protects teeth from injury by correcting protrusion or crowding

Signs You Might Need Interceptive Orthodontics

Consider scheduling a consultation if you or your child experiences:

• Difficulty chewing
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Jaw popping or shifting
• Mouth breathing
• Speech issues
• Crowded or gapped teeth