FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - WHAT IS PHASE I ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

Interceptive or early treatment is initiated at 7 to 10 years of age for significant bite problems and is called Phase I treatment. This type of therapy is generally indicated if there are crossbite problems, jaw relationship problems or growth abnormalities. Partial braces may be used in Phase I treatment but often are not used. Crowding of teeth without jaw (orthopedic) problems is not usually and indication for Phase I therapy. Early orthodontic treatment can sometimes avoid extraction of permanent teeth and may produce a more stable long-term result. Phase I treatment is typically lasts 12 to 18 months followed by a period of observation until all permanent teeth erupt. Most patients require Phase II (full braces) around age 11-13 to finish the correction of the bite problem.