Phase I Orthodontics at Utah Orthodontic Care

A child may benefit from Phase I treatment if they show signs of:

• Severe crowding or spacing
• Premature loss of baby teeth
• Thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
• Crossbites, underbites, or overbites
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Speech development concerns
• Teeth that stick out abnormally

We follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation to schedule an orthodontic checkup by age 7. Learn more about when to visit an orthodontist for early screening and alignment checkups.

We offer a comprehensive selection of early intervention treatments to address dental growth and development in young patients. Each service is customized based on your child’s needs and development stage.

Space & Growth Management

These appliances guide jaw development and maintain proper spacing after early loss of baby teeth.

• Space Maintainers prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into empty spaces.
• Palatal Expanders widen the upper jaw to create room for permanent teeth.
• Lower Lingual Holding Arch helps preserve molar positioning and space.
• Distalizers or Headgear correct jaw alignment and tooth protrusion.

Alignment & Bite Correction

These interventions correct minor alignment issues and address bite irregularities before they become complex problems.

• Limited (Partial) Braces treat a small number of teeth for early alignment.
• Crossbite Correction Appliances realign upper and lower teeth for functional biting.
• Functional Appliances guide jaw positioning and growth.
• Habit Appliances help eliminate thumb-sucking and tongue thrusting.
• Removable Orthodontic Plates provide flexible treatment for minor tooth movement.

Developmental Guidance & Monitoring

Not every child needs immediate treatment. For those who don’t, we offer ongoing monitoring and guidance to determine the right time for intervention.

• Growth and Development Evaluation tracks facial and jaw development over time.
• Interceptive Extractions may be recommended to allow teeth to erupt properly.
• Early Alignment Checkups help us identify when intervention is most effective.

Transition & Retention

Once Phase I treatment is complete, we support your child during the transitional phase to ensure long-term success.

• Observation Phase: Continued monitoring while permanent teeth come in.
• Holding Appliances: Maintain the improvements made during early treatment.

Starting orthodontic treatment early can reduce the need for tooth extractions, shorten the length of future treatment, and improve facial balance. It also provides emotional benefits by addressing appearance concerns during childhood and avoiding potential bullying or self-esteem issues.