Early intervention, or Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is for children between the ages of five and 11 with developing bite, misalignment, or airway problems.

Phase 1 can include a variety of orthodontic treatments. The most common are palatal expansion, braces, Clear Aligners, and treatment for airway issues.

We'll create a customized treatment plan that outlines Phases 1 and 2 in advance. This will help ensure that your child's orthodontic care is as minimally invasive and efficient as possible.

Phase 1 also includes:

• Planning for the next phase

  Phase 1 treatment is essentially preparation for Phase 2. Early orthodontic treatment plans aim to reduce the need for invasive or extensive procedures during Phase 2, such as the extraction of permanent teeth or surgical operations to realign the jaw.

• Records to inform treatment

  During for your children's Phase 1 treatment, we'll maintain comprehensive records for reference in Phase 2. These records will include details such as the type of appliances used, the duration of treatment, and the frequency of visits. Additionally, records will contain models of the teeth, X-rays and photographs.

• A resting period

  Following the completion of your child's first phase of orthodontic treatment, the permanent teeth are left to finish erupting undisturbed.

  Retaining devices may not be recommended if they would hinder eruption. It's best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement.

  A successful first phase will have created room for permanent teeth to find an eruption path.

• Monitoring tooth progress

  At the end of the first phase of treatment, the teeth are not yet in their final positions. This will take place during your child's Phase 2 orthodontic treatment.

  Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may enhance eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually every six months.

Phase 2 begins where Phase 1 left off, once all the permanent teeth have erupted. It includes making the final adjustments to the smile and bite using either braces or Clear Aligners Teen.

Phase 2 orthodontic treatment is typically less complex than regular orthodontic treatment would be if Phase 1 was skipped over.

We think of it as fine-tuning your teen's smile after all the groundwork was laid in Phase 1 – it's the finishing touch. Phase 2 treatment usually lasts shorter than Phase 1, generally ranging from six to 12 months.

• Continuing on the path to a healthy smile

  The goal of the second phase is to ensure that each tooth is ideally positioned in comparison to the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth.

• Phase 2 braces or aligner treatment 

  Phase 2 generally involves full upper and lower braces or aligners. At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made, and a diagnosis and treatment plan were established that will now inform Phase 2.

• Maintenance and retainers

  Once Phase 2 treatment comes to a close, retainers will be created for your child. These will be worn continuously to ensure that treatment results are maintained long-term.