Dr. Cain smiling with a young patient during an early orthodontic treatment visit in Marble Falls, TX

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Helping Growing Smiles Develop With Phase One Orthodontics

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Many parents wonder when their child should first see an orthodontist. In line with the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Cain recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7, even if all of their permanent teeth have not erupted yet. At this age, we can identify developing problems early and determine whether your child would benefit from early orthodontic treatment or simply continued monitoring as they grow.

Not every child needs early treatment. However, for children with certain bite, jaw or spacing concerns, addressing these issues while they are still growing can reduce the need for more complex treatment later and help create a healthier foundation for a lifetime of smiles.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Also called Phase One treatment, early orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding your child’s jaw growth and creating space for permanent teeth while your child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth. Unlike comprehensive treatment with braces or clear aligners, Phase One treatment is not intended to create a perfect bite or completely straighten every tooth. Instead, it addresses specific developmental concerns that are best corrected during childhood while the jaws are still growing.

Palatal Expansion At Cain Orthodontics

For some children, early orthodontic treatment includes palatal expansion, a specialized treatment that gently widens the upper jaw while it is still developing. Creating additional space can improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together, help permanent teeth erupt properly and, in some cases, support healthier breathing and airway development. Not every child needs a palatal expander, just like every child does not need Phase One treatment. When Dr. Cain recommends palatal expansion, it can play an important role in reducing crowding and encouraging healthy jaw growth before the bones have fully matured.

Why Would My Child Need Early Treatment?

The goal of early orthodontic treatment is to address problems before they become more difficult to correct. Early treatment may help:

  • Create enough space for permanent teeth to erupt properly
  • Reduce or eliminate the need for permanent tooth extractions
  • Guide proper jaw growth
  • Correct developing bite problems
  • Reduce the likelihood of jaw surgery later in life
  • Improve chewing and speech function
  • Protect teeth from excessive wear or trauma
  • Improve facial balance and development
Dr. Karin Cain with a young braces patient at Cain Orthodontics in Marble Falls and Burnet, TX

What Happens Next With Phase Two Treatment?

Parents often ask why their child needs two phases of treatment instead of completing everything at once. The answer is simple: children are still growing, including their jaws.

Phase One Treatment

During Phase One treatment, many baby teeth remain in place, making it impossible to create the final bite until all permanent teeth have erupted. The primary goal is to establish healthy growth, create space and correct significant developmental concerns.

Phase Two Treatment

Phase Two treatment, completed after the permanent teeth come in, focuses on the detailed alignment of the teeth and bite. This stage helps ensure long-term stability while protecting the teeth from premature wear, TMJ problems and future bite issues.

FAQs

Beginning orthodontic treatment can feel intimidating, especially when it’s your child. At Cain Orthodontics, we’re committed to intervening at the right time to make a difference. Keep reading for more information about how early treatment can benefit your child’s growing smile for life.

Does every child need Phase One treatment?

Because every child grows differently, treatment recommendations are always personalized to your child’s unique needs. The best way to tell if your child needs early orthodontic intervention is by requesting a consultation and bringing them in to see our orthodontist, Dr. Cain.

One of the biggest benefits of early orthodontic treatment is making sure there is enough space for your child’s permanent teeth. When the jaws do not develop enough room for incoming adult teeth, crowding can occur. In some cases, this crowding can lead to impacted teeth or permanent tooth extractions down the road. By guiding jaw development early, Dr. Cain can often create the space needed for permanent teeth to erupt naturally, helping many children keep all of their adult teeth whenever possible.

Together, the two orthodontic phases can often create a healthier, more stable result than waiting until growth has finished.

Possibly! Phase One treatment addresses growth and developmental concerns but is not intended to complete the final bite. Many children benefit from a shorter Phase Two treatment with braces once all permanent teeth have erupted.

In many cases, yes. By creating adequate space while your child is still growing, early treatment may reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions later. However, every patient is different, and treatment recommendations depend on your child’s individual development.

Your child may experience mild soreness for a few days after appliances are placed or adjusted, but most adapt quickly. Rest assured our office uses advanced technology and high-quality orthodontic appliances designed to maximize your child’s comfort throughout their treatment.

After Phase One treatment is complete, your child will typically enter a monitoring period while the remaining permanent teeth erupt. Once growth and tooth eruption are complete, Dr. Cain will determine whether your child needs a second phase of treatment.

Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation

The best way to know whether your child needs early orthodontic treatment is with a professional orthodontic evaluation. At Cain Orthodontics, we partner with families throughout Marble Falls, Burnet and the surrounding Texas Hill Country to help children develop healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime. 

Dr. Cain can help determine if your child is ready for treatment now or needs to continue to be monitored as they grow. Request your child’s orthodontic consultation today or call us in Marble Falls and Burnet at (830) 693-2355.

Growing Smiles In The Heart Of Texas Hill Country

Ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile? Schedule a consultation with Cain Orthodontics in Marble Falls or Burnet, TX, to learn more about personalized orthodontic treatment for children, teens and adults. Our team will help you explore options such as traditional braces, early orthodontic treatment and Spark Clear Aligners and create a plan tailored to your smile goals.