Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase 1 treatment, is done when a child has a mix of baby and adult teeth and may involve the use of expanders, partial braces, or other appliances. The goal of this phase is to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, and address early dental concerns. At our office, we also assess factors such as airway health, mouth breathing, and overall facial development, as these can play an important role in a child’s growth and long-term oral health. Phase 1 treatment helps create a better foundation for the adult teeth and jaws, and in many cases can simplify—or even eliminate—the need for a second phase of treatment with full braces or clear aligners (Invisalign) in the future.

One of the things that makes our office special is our thoughtful and individualized approach to each child and family, especially when determining the right timing for treatment. You can feel confident that Dr. Guedes will always make recommendations with your child’s best interest in mind, just as she would for her own children.

If your child is not yet ready for orthodontic treatment, they will be placed in our growth and development recall program. Dr. Guedes will continue to monitor their dental development over time and guide you on the ideal timing for treatment, if and when it becomes necessary.