Some orthodontic problems are easier to guide while a child is still growing. Phase One treatment focuses on those early opportunities. Instead of waiting until every permanent tooth has come in, our orthodontist may recommend early orthodontic care when jaw growth, bite development or incoming teeth need extra support.
At Christensen Orthodontics, we provide Phase One orthodontic treatment in South Jordan, Utah, for children who may benefit from early intervention. Dr. Todd Christensen will evaluate your child’s teeth, bite and jaw development, then explain whether treatment is needed now or whether continued monitoring is the better choice. The goal is to help parents make confident decisions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
If your child has been referred for an early orthodontic evaluation, or you have noticed crowding, bite concerns or unusual spacing, call 801-446-5548 to schedule a visit.
What Is Phase One Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase One treatment is orthodontic care that takes place while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This stage of treatment is not meant to do everything braces or aligners might do later. Instead, it focuses on guiding growth, creating room for developing teeth and addressing concerns that may become harder to correct if left untreated.
Some children only need monitoring during this stage. Others may benefit from early treatment to help improve the way the teeth and jaws are developing. Our orthodontist will explain the difference clearly so you understand why treatment is or is not being recommended.
When Early Orthodontic Care May Be Recommended
Parents often wonder whether a child’s smile will “grow out of” certain problems. Sometimes it will. Other times, early guidance can make a meaningful difference. A Phase One evaluation may be helpful if your child has:
- Crowded front teeth or not enough room for incoming permanent teeth
- Upper or lower teeth that do not meet properly
- A crossbite, underbite or open bite
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Protruding teeth that may be more vulnerable to injury
- Jaw shifting when biting down
- Difficulty biting, chewing or closing comfortably
- Habits that may affect tooth or jaw development
An early consultation gives our team the chance to identify what is happening and determine whether action is needed.
The Purpose of Phase One Treatment
Phase One orthodontics is about creating better conditions for your child’s developing smile. Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may help guide jaw growth, improve bite relationships, create space for permanent teeth or reduce the severity of future orthodontic problems.
This early stage can also help parents understand what to expect as their child grows. Even when Phase One treatment is recommended, a second phase of orthodontic care may still be needed later, often during the teen years. Early treatment does not always eliminate the need for braces, but it may make future treatment more straightforward in certain cases.
You can learn more about later treatment options on our Teen Orthodontics page.
What Happens at a Phase One Consultation?
Your child’s first visit is designed to be informative and low-pressure. Our team will look at how the teeth are coming in, how the bite fits together and how the jaws appear to be developing. Digital imaging may be recommended to see what is happening below the surface, including the position of developing permanent teeth.
After the evaluation, Dr. Christensen will review the findings with you. If treatment is recommended, we will explain the reason, the goals and what the next steps would involve. If treatment is not needed yet, we may recommend periodic monitoring so we can keep an eye on growth and development.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Guidance
Phase One treatment may offer important benefits for children who need it. Depending on the concern being addressed, early orthodontic care may help:
- Guide jaw development while growth is still active
- Create more room for incoming permanent teeth
- Improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Reduce the risk of worsening crowding or bite problems
- Support more balanced facial and dental development
- Make future orthodontic treatment easier in some cases
- Give parents a clearer understanding of their child’s long-term needs
The right timing matters. Our orthodontist will recommend early treatment only when it offers a clear benefit for your child’s smile development.
How Phase One Treatment Fits Into Long-Term Care
After Phase One treatment, your child’s smile will continue to grow and change. Our team may recommend a resting or observation period while more permanent teeth come in. During this time, we may continue to monitor development and determine whether another stage of treatment will be needed later.
If braces or aligners are recommended in the future, Phase One treatment can help set the stage for that next step. Some children transition into braces when they are older, while others may be candidates for Invisalign® treatment or clear aligners depending on their needs and maturity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phase One Treatment
What age is best for a Phase One orthodontic evaluation?
Many children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation around the time permanent teeth begin coming in. The right timing depends on your child’s growth, bite and tooth development. A consultation allows our orthodontist to determine whether early treatment is needed or whether monitoring is appropriate.
Does Phase One treatment mean my child will not need braces later?
Not always. Phase One treatment is designed to address early growth or bite concerns, not necessarily complete all orthodontic care. Some children still need braces or aligners later. However, early treatment may make future care easier or help reduce the severity of certain problems.
How do I know if my child needs early orthodontic treatment?
Signs may include crowding, bite problems, jaw shifting, early or late baby tooth loss, protruding teeth or difficulty biting comfortably. Some issues are not obvious at home, which is why an orthodontic evaluation can be helpful. Dr. Christensen can explain whether treatment is needed now or later.
What happens if my child is not ready for treatment?
If your child does not need treatment yet, our team may recommend continued monitoring. This allows us to watch growth, tooth eruption and bite development over time. Monitoring can help us choose the right treatment timing if care becomes necessary later.
Is Phase One treatment the same as teen orthodontics?
No. Phase One treatment usually happens while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Teen orthodontics often begins once more permanent teeth have come in. The two stages have different goals, and our orthodontist will explain which stage applies to your child.
Do you offer Phase One treatment in South Jordan, UT, and surrounding areas?
Yes. Our orthodontist and team welcome families seeking Phase One orthodontic treatment in South Jordan, West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Lehi, American Fork, Alpine, Highland and nearby communities in Utah. Call 801-446-5548 to schedule an evaluation.
Schedule a Phase One Orthodontic Evaluation
Early orthodontic care in South Jordan, UT, can give you valuable answers about your child’s developing smile. Whether your child needs treatment now or simply needs to be monitored, Dr. Christensen and our team will help you understand the next step. Call 801-446-5548 or contact our office today to schedule an evaluation with our orthodontist.
801-446-5548