Early orthodontics doesn’t mean braces right away. It’s all about educating, looking ahead, and intelligent intervention during a critical developmental window. 

In this blog, we’ll cover:

✔ What Phase 1 orthodontics actually is
✔ Why early treatment matters, even with baby teeth still around
✔ How Mint Orthodontics keeps it smart, simple, and stress-free

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics (And Why Start So Young?)

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive treatment, starts while your child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth, usually between the ages of 7 and 10.

At this age, the focus isn’t just on alignment, it’s about guiding jaw development, creating space, and correcting growth patterns that could lead to bigger problems later on.

Think of it as building the blueprint for your child’s future smile.

Early treatment can help:

• Guide jaw development while growth is still occuring
• Create space for crowded or impacted teeth before they’ve come in, avoiding the need for future teeth extractions
• Fix crossbites, underbites, and other developing bite issues
• Protect protruding front teeth from damage
• Break habits like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing
• Support healthier jaw and airway development

 

Why Timing Matters More Than Age

Just because your child is young doesn’t mean you have to wait. In fact, catching issues early is the whole point of Phase 1.

This stage of treatment is about working with your child’s natural growth to make long-term improvements easier. By guiding how the jaws develop and how adult teeth come in, we can often avoid extractions, surgeries, and sometimes treatment altogether, saving you money, time, and more invasive treatment later on.

And if early treatment isn’t needed that’s good news too. You’ll leave with answers, peace of mind, and a plan to monitor things over time.

 

What Does Phase 1 Treatment Involve?

Every child is different, but Phase 1 typically lasts 10 to 14 months and might include:

• Expanders to widen narrow jaws
• Partial braces or aligners to guide tooth positioning
• Functional appliances to redirect jaw growth patterns
• Appliances to stop harmful habits like thumb-sucking

The goal isn’t a “perfect smile” just yet. The goal is to set up your child’s teeth and jaws for long-term health and success. 

Just to clear things up: Phase 1 doesn’t always replace full treatment later. Some kids still need Phase 2 in their teen years, but Phase 1 makes it shorter, simpler, way more effective, and typically less expensive.

 

How Mint Keeps It Kid-Friendly (and Parent-Smart)

We understand, your child’s comfort matters, and so does your time. That’s why we take a personalized, digital-first approach that actually makes early treatment feel easy.

Here’s how we do it:

• 3D digital scans, no goopy impressions, ever
• Custom appliances that fit better, work faster, and feel more comfortable
• A team that’s amazing with kids (and speaks fluent parent)
• Honest evaluations, we’ll never recommend treatment unless it’s truly needed

This isn’t your run of the mill orthodontics. It’s a treatment designed around your child’s unique smile, growth patterns, and lifestyle.

The Cost Equation

Yes, Phase 1 represents an investment. But it’s typically less expensive than the comprehensive treatments required when problems are left for later. More importantly, it often eliminates the need for more invasive (and costly) interventions down the road.

 

Will My Kid Still Need Braces Later?

They might. But if they do, we’ve already laid the groundwork.

Thanks to Phase 1, future treatment is often:

• Shorter
• Less complex
• More comfortable
• Less expensive
• And sometimes completely avoidable

Plus, we’ve already built trust with your child, so they’re not walking into treatment cold when they’re older.

 

Let’s Set Their Smile Up for Success

At Mint Orthodontics, we don’t believe in waiting around when we can make a difference now.

Phase 1 is about more than teeth, it’s about confidence, comfort, and long-term health. And when you catch problems early, the path forward gets a whole lot easier.

If your child still has some baby teeth and you’ve been wondering when to check in, this is your sign. No referral is required, and consultations are always free. 

We’ll give you straight answers and a clear plan, without the pressure.

Book a free consult today, and let’s see if Phase 1 is the smart next step for your child’s smile!