Phase I Care for Developing Smiles
Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase I orthodontics, helps address specific tooth, bite or jaw development concerns while a child is still growing. At Santa Monica Orthodontics, Dr. Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, provides orthodontics for children in Santa Monica, California, to help families understand whether early treatment is needed or if monitoring is the better next step.
Not every child needs early orthodontic care. In many cases, Dr. Khan may recommend growth checks until the timing is right. When treatment is needed, Phase I orthodontics can help guide jaw growth, create space for permanent teeth, improve bite alignment and support healthier long-term smile development.
Dr. Khan has over 20 years of experience as an orthodontic specialist and has completed thousands of orthodontic cases for children, teens and adults. Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment to schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation.
What Is Phase I Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase I orthodontic treatment is early, interceptive orthodontic care used to accomplish specific goals before all permanent teeth have erupted. This phase may begin once the permanent first molars and the upper and lower front teeth have come in, depending on your child’s development and orthodontic needs.
The goal of Phase I treatment is not always to fully straighten every tooth. Instead, early orthodontics may be used to correct developing problems, guide jaw growth, reduce crowding, improve bite function or create a healthier foundation for the permanent teeth as they continue to erupt.
After Phase I treatment is complete, our team will continue to monitor your child’s growth and tooth eruption a few times per year. Once the adult teeth are fully present, Dr. Khan can determine whether additional treatment, often called Phase II orthodontic treatment, is needed.
When Should a Child See an Orthodontist?
A child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation when permanent teeth begin coming in, when the bite does not seem to fit properly or when a parent notices crowding, spacing, protruding teeth or jaw growth concerns. Early visits are also helpful when a child has lost baby teeth early or has habits such as thumb-sucking or finger-sucking.
An early orthodontic evaluation gives Dr. Khan the chance to identify developing concerns before they become more difficult to manage. If treatment is not needed right away, our team can continue to monitor your child’s smile and recommend care only when the timing makes sense.
What Problems Can Early Orthodontics Help Address?
Phase I orthodontics may be recommended when Dr. Khan sees a developing issue that is better treated while your child is still growing. Some tooth and jaw concerns are easier to guide early instead of waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted.
Early orthodontic treatment may help with concerns such as:
- Protruding front teeth that may be at higher risk for injury
- Deep overbite concerns
- Crossbite or narrow upper jaw development
- Crowded teeth or lack of space for permanent teeth
- Jaw growth concerns affecting the relationship between the upper and lower jaws
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Finger-sucking or thumb-sucking habits
- Smile or alignment concerns that are developing early
During your child’s consultation, Dr. Khan will evaluate their teeth, bite, jaw development and growth pattern before recommending treatment. If early treatment is not needed, she can let you know when your child should be checked again.
Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters
Children’s smiles can change quickly as permanent teeth begin to erupt. An early orthodontic evaluation allows Dr. Khan to look for concerns that may not be obvious to parents, including bite problems, crowding, jaw growth issues or teeth that are not coming in properly.
In some cases, early orthodontic guidance can make future treatment more predictable. For example, palatal expansion may help create room as the upper arch develops, and space-maintaining appliances may help protect room for permanent teeth after early baby tooth loss.
Even when treatment is not recommended right away, an early visit gives your family a clearer plan. Instead of guessing when your child may need braces, Invisalign® clear aligners or another orthodontic option, you can understand what to watch for and when to return.
Phase I Treatment Options for Children
Phase I orthodontic treatment is customized to your child’s needs. Dr. Khan may recommend an appliance, limited braces or another interceptive treatment depending on the concern being addressed.
Early orthodontic treatment may include:
- Palatal expansion to help guide upper jaw development
- Space maintainers after early baby tooth loss
- Lower holding arches
- Limited braces for specific tooth movement
- Appliances to help improve bite development
- Guidance for thumb-sucking or finger-sucking habits
- Growth and eruption monitoring
Our team will explain the purpose of any recommended treatment so you understand what we are correcting, why timing matters and what may still be needed later as your child grows.
Will My Child Still Need Braces Later?
Many children who complete Phase I treatment still need Phase II orthodontic treatment once the rest of the permanent teeth have erupted. This is normal. Phase I is used to guide early development, while Phase II is used to align the permanent teeth and finalize the bite.
Phase II treatment may include traditional braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign clear aligners or other orthodontic appliances, depending on your child’s needs at that stage.
Dr. Khan will monitor your child after Phase I treatment and let you know when it is time to reevaluate for full orthodontic treatment.
Why Choose Santa Monica Orthodontics?
Dr. Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, completed a three-year orthodontic residency and earned a Master of Science in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University. She has over 20 years of experience as an orthodontic specialist and has treated thousands of orthodontic cases involving children, teens and adults.
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, treatment planning is supported by advanced technology, including iTero digital scanning, CBCT/3D imaging when appropriate, digital photography and digital treatment planning. These tools help Dr. Khan evaluate your child’s smile, bite and jaw development with greater detail.
Our goal is to recommend treatment only when it is needed and to help families understand each step clearly. Whether your child needs early orthodontic care now or should simply be monitored, our team can help you make an informed decision.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Orthodontic Consultation
During your child’s consultation, Dr. Khan will examine their teeth, bite, jaw development and tooth eruption pattern. Our team may also take digital records or imaging to better understand how the teeth and jaws are developing.
After the evaluation, Dr. Khan will explain whether early orthodontic treatment is recommended. If treatment is needed, we will review the goals of care, the type of appliance or treatment involved, the estimated timeline and what your child can expect.
If treatment is not needed yet, we may recommend periodic growth checks so we can continue monitoring your child’s development and choose the right time for care if it becomes necessary.
How Much Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
The cost of Phase I orthodontic treatment depends on the type of treatment needed, the complexity of the case and the length of care. During your child’s consultation, our team can review the estimated cost, insurance benefits and payment options.
You can also visit our financial options page to learn more about ways to make orthodontic care more manageable for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics for Children
What is Phase I orthodontic treatment?
Phase I orthodontic treatment is early, interceptive care used to address specific bite, jaw growth, spacing or tooth eruption concerns while a child is still growing.
Does every child need early orthodontic treatment?
No. Many children only need monitoring until more permanent teeth have erupted. Dr. Khan will recommend early treatment only when there is a clear reason to begin care.
What problems can early orthodontics help correct?
Early orthodontics may help with crowding, crossbite, protruding teeth, deep overbite, jaw growth concerns, early baby tooth loss, thumb-sucking habits and other developing orthodontic issues.
Will Phase I treatment prevent braces later?
Not always. Many children still need Phase II treatment when the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase I helps guide early development, while Phase II helps complete the final alignment and bite correction.
How long does Phase I treatment take?
Treatment time depends on your child’s needs and the type of appliance or treatment recommended. Dr. Khan can provide a more personalized estimate after evaluating your child’s smile and bite.
What happens after Phase I treatment?
After Phase I treatment, our team will continue to monitor your child’s growth and tooth eruption. Once the permanent teeth are fully present, Dr. Khan can determine whether Phase II treatment is needed.
Phase I Preventive Orthodontic Examples
The examples below show different types of appliances and early orthodontic treatments that may be used during Phase I care. Your child’s treatment plan will depend on their teeth, bite, jaw development and individual needs.
Lower Holding Arch Space Maintenance Example
Lower Holding Arch Example
Early Primary Molar Loss Example
Limited Braces Appliance Example
Palatal Expansion Example
Quad Helix Appliance Example
Schedule a Children’s Orthodontic Consultation in Santa Monica
If you are wondering whether your child needs early orthodontic treatment, Santa Monica Orthodontics can help you get clear answers. Dr. Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, combines advanced orthodontic training, digital technology and years of experience to guide growing smiles with care.
Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation for early orthodontics for children in Santa Monica, CA.