Early Orthodontic Treatment (Phase 1) in Wheaton

Early orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive treatment or phase 1 treatment, is an orthodontic treatment performed while some baby teeth are still present. Early orthodontic treatment can begin as early as seven years of age. Not every child needs early treatment, but sometimes it is necessary to ensure minor problems don’t become more serious if left untreated.

Early treatment aims to intercept the developing problem, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jawbones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. A patient may require a second course of treatment after all permanent teeth have come in to move the permanent teeth into their best positions.

The best way to determine if a child can benefit from early orthodontic treatment is to visit Dr. Stache for a consultation. She will do 3-D digital scans of the teeth and jaws and conduct an oral examination to see how the permanent teeth and the jaw are developing.

Request Your Complimentary Consultation

Problems That Often Benefit from Early Orthodontic Treatment

• Eliminate harmful habits such as thumb or finger sucking.
• Correct severe dental protrusion (overbite) to reduce the risk of trauma and enhance facial aesthetics.
• Address airway issues like sleep apnea, snoring, or mouth breathing through a coordinated approach with ENT specialists.
• Expand narrow jaws to create proper space for teeth and improve overall bite.
• Improve dental alignment and smile aesthetics, supporting both oral health and the patient’s confidence.
• Support psychosocial well-being by addressing alignment concerns that can impact self-esteem.

By age seven, your child’s mouth has enough structure for Dr. Stache to know how it will develop as the permanent teeth start to emerge. Early orthodontic treatment allows him to address the structure of the jaw and teeth before all of the permanent teeth have erupted, helping to prevent more severe problems and controlling the location of the permanent teeth. Even if your child doesn’t need orthodontic treatment immediately, a consultation will uncover how an orthodontist can help your child if future treatment is necessary.

Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth are meant to complement each other. By timing treatment to stages of dental development, your orthodontist can take advantage of your child’s oral growth and development. Problems that can be treated in a growing child may alleviate more drastic and invasive procedures needed later.