Phase 1 Orthodontics in Lake Worth
May 24, 2025
Is your child losing baby teeth too early—or too late? Do their teeth seem crowded, misaligned, or growing in unusual directions? As a parent, it’s natural to wonder: Is this normal? Should I wait? Or could early action make a real difference?
The truth is, many orthodontic issues can be easier to treat when caught early—before all the permanent teeth come in or jaw growth is complete. But timing is everything. Waiting too long can make treatment more complex, more expensive, and more uncomfortable for your child.
That’s why at Parsons Orthodontics in Lake Worth, we offer Phase 1 Orthodontics, also known as early orthodontic treatment. This proactive approach focuses on guiding your child’s jaw development, correcting harmful oral habits, and creating room for incoming adult teeth—all before problems become harder to fix.
So how do you know if your child needs early orthodontic care? And what should you expect from the process? Keep reading to learn how Phase 1 treatment works, who it’s for, and how it can help your child grow up smiling with confidence.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Phase 1 Orthodontics, often called early interceptive treatment, is the first step in addressing orthodontic issues before they fully develop. This type of treatment typically begins when a child is between 6 and 10 years old—a time when they still have a mix of baby and adult teeth, and their jaws are still growing.
Unlike traditional orthodontics, which usually starts in the early teen years, Phase 1 focuses on preventing future complications by acting during this critical window of development. The goal isn’t just to straighten teeth—it’s to guide jaw growth, correct bite problems, and address habits or conditions that could lead to more serious issues down the road.
Why does this timing matter so much? Because during these early years, a child’s facial bones are still flexible. That gives us the unique opportunity to influence how the jaws and teeth develop, rather than trying to fix fully formed issues later. For many children, early treatment can mean less invasive procedures, fewer extractions, and even avoiding jaw surgery in the future.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7—even if no obvious issues are present. That first visit isn’t always about starting treatment immediately. Instead, it allows us to monitor your child’s growth and development over time and step in only when it’s truly necessary.
For parents, it offers peace of mind. And for children, it can mean a smoother, shorter path to a healthy, confident smile.
Why Consider Early Orthodontic Treatment?
As a parent, it’s easy to assume that orthodontic care should wait until all of your child’s adult teeth have come in. But in many cases, waiting too long can mean missing the best window to intervene gently and effectively. That’s where early orthodontic treatment, or Phase 1 Orthodontics, can make a lasting difference.
This approach is about more than just straightening a few teeth. It’s about laying the foundation for proper jaw development, healthy alignment, and long-term oral stability—before serious issues have the chance to take hold.
So, what exactly can early treatment help with?
It Guides Proper Jaw Growth
During early childhood, the bones in the jaw are still developing and highly adaptable. Phase 1 treatment allows orthodontists to gently guide that growth, helping the upper and lower jaws develop in proportion. This not only improves function—like chewing and speaking—but also reduces the risk of more invasive procedures later, such as jaw surgery or permanent tooth extractions.
It Corrects Harmful Oral Habits
Habits like thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or extended pacifier use may seem harmless at first—but over time, they can lead to serious bite problems and jaw misalignment. Early orthodontic treatment can help correct these behaviors and address the dental issues they cause, protecting your child’s smile as it grows.
It Makes Space for Adult Teeth
When baby teeth fall out too soon—or not soon enough—it can disrupt the path of incoming adult teeth, causing crowding, impaction, or misalignment. Early treatment can preserve or create space, ensuring that permanent teeth come in with fewer complications.
It Supports Facial Balance and Symmetry
By guiding the growth of the jaw and correcting early misalignments, Phase 1 treatment also contributes to more harmonious facial development. This can improve a child’s profile and overall appearance, supporting self-confidence during crucial developmental years.
It Can Reduce or Even Eliminate Future Treatment
In many cases, Phase 1 treatment can lessen the severity of future orthodontic problems—and sometimes eliminate the need for full braces later. Even when Phase 2 is still necessary in the teen years, it’s often shorter, simpler, and more comfortable thanks to early groundwork.
Common Problems Fixed with Phase 1 Orthodontics
While not every child needs early orthodontic treatment, certain conditions benefit from early intervention. These include:
- Anterior crossbite – When upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth
- Posterior crossbite – When upper back teeth fit inside the lower back teeth
- Crowding – When there isn’t enough room for all the teeth to erupt properly
- Ectopic eruption – When teeth erupt in the wrong place, potentially affecting nearby teeth
- Open bite – When the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed
- Protrusion – When front teeth stick out too far, increasing the risk of injury
Pros and Cons of Early Orthodontic Treatment
For many families, deciding whether to begin orthodontic treatment at an early age can feel overwhelming. It’s natural to have questions about timing, necessity, and long-term results. The truth is, early orthodontic treatment—when recommended appropriately—can offer significant benefits, but it’s also not the right path for every child. At Parsons Orthodontics, we believe in transparent, thoughtful guidance, which is why we only suggest Phase 1 treatment when it provides a clear advantage for your child’s development.
Advantages of Early Treatment
One of the most important benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics is the opportunity to correct harmful oral habits—such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting—before they create permanent dental or skeletal issues. Addressing these behaviors early can prevent bite misalignments and reduce the need for more aggressive correction later.
Early treatment also gives us a head start in preventing or minimizing future alignment and bite problems. By influencing how the teeth and jaws develop during key growth periods, we can reduce the severity of issues that might otherwise require extensive orthodontic work during adolescence.
In many cases, early intervention helps avoid permanent tooth extractions or jaw surgery, both of which are more common when treatment is delayed. By creating space for adult teeth and guiding jaw development, Phase 1 can help maintain the natural structure of your child’s mouth.
Another major benefit is that treatment during the teen years may be shorter, simpler, and more comfortable. If Phase 1 treatment has already addressed foundational issues, Phase 2 often involves less time in braces and fewer adjustments.
Finally, early orthodontics can have a meaningful impact on your child’s self-esteem and social confidence. A healthier, more aligned smile during formative years can make a real difference in how your child sees themselves and interacts with others.
Considerations Before Starting Phase 1
While the benefits are clear in the right situations, early orthodontic treatment is not necessary for every child. In fact, many children are better served by simply being monitored during their growth and beginning treatment during adolescence, when all permanent teeth have erupted.
It’s also important to understand that some children who undergo Phase 1 will still need Phase 2 treatment later on. While early intervention can prevent severe complications, it may not resolve all orthodontic issues on its own.
Lastly, choosing a two-phase approach may involve a longer treatment timeline and higher overall costs compared to starting a single round of treatment later in the teen years. However, this must be weighed against the potential for improved outcomes, reduced complications, and a more comfortable treatment experience overall.
At Parsons Orthodontics, we take all of this into account when recommending care. Our orthodontists will only suggest early treatment when it offers clear, measurable benefits to your child’s current and future oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Phase 1 braces and when are they used?
Phase 1 braces are used during early orthodontic treatment to address significant issues such as crossbites, severe crowding, or protruding teeth. They help prepare the mouth for future permanent teeth and reduce the risk of long-term problems.
Does every child need early treatment?
No. Many children only need observation until their teenage years. We’ll monitor growth and development closely to determine the right time to begin treatment, if necessary.
Will my child still need braces later?
Possibly. Phase 1 sets the foundation, but a second phase in adolescence may still be needed to refine alignment once all permanent teeth have come in.
What is the best age for orthodontic evaluation?
Around age 7. This allows us to detect issues early, even if treatment isn’t needed immediately.
Why Families in Lake Worth Choose Parsons Orthodontics
Choosing an orthodontist for your child is a big decision—especially when it involves starting treatment at an early age. Parents want more than just clinical expertise; they want reassurance, clear guidance, and a team that truly understands how to work with children. At Parsons Orthodontics in Lake Worth, we deliver all of that—and more.
We know that early orthodontic treatment is about more than straightening teeth. It’s about shaping the foundation for lifelong oral health, supporting proper development, and building your child’s confidence along the way. That’s why every part of our approach is designed with your child’s comfort and long-term success in mind.
Here’s why so many families in Lake Worth and the surrounding areas choose us for Phase 1 orthodontic care:
- A kid-friendly, stress-free environment. From the moment you walk in, we work to make children feel safe, understood, and comfortable—whether it’s their first visit or their fifteenth.
- Specialized expertise in early orthodontic treatment. Our team has extensive experience working with young children, and we know how to tailor care to fit their developmental needs at each stage.
- State-of-the-art technology and gentle techniques. We use advanced diagnostics and treatment tools to create precise, customized plans—always with a gentle approach that minimizes discomfort and maximizes results.
- Flexible scheduling and payment solutions. Life with kids can be hectic, and we get that. That’s why we offer convenient appointment times and flexible financing options to make high-quality orthodontic care accessible to every family.
At Parsons Orthodontics, we treat every child like one of our own—because early treatment isn’t just about their teeth, it’s about their future.
A healthy smile starts with a strong foundation. If your child is around age 7 or showing signs of orthodontic concerns, schedule a complimentary consultation with Parsons Orthodontics in Lake Worth. We’re here to guide their smile every step of the way.
Call today or book online to get started.
