FAQs

If you notice any of the following early warning signs, you should call us to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. 

• Teeth on top overlap bottom teeth
• Teeth on top protrude out over bottom teeth
• Bottom teeth overlap top teeth
• Bottom and top front teeth don’t touch
• Teeth don’t meet on either side
• Teeth are crooked, crowded or have too much space between them
• Frequent thumb or finger sucking
• Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Pain in the mouth or jaw
• Speech problems
• Clenching or grinding of teeth

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist for the first time around age seven. This is because by age seven, children have enough permanent teeth to help an orthodontist identify potential issues. Early detection and treatment of orthodontic concerns can prevent more serious problems from developing.

Early signs of orthodontic problems may include: 

• Teeth: Crowded teeth, teeth that don’t meet normally, teeth that protrude, or excessive spacing between teeth 
• Jaw: Jaw shifting when opening or closing the mouth, or jaws that protrude or recede 
• Speech: Difficulty speaking or speech impediments 
• Biting: Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth often 
• Thumb sucking: Continuing to suck a thumb after age five 
• Facial appearance: Facial imbalance, weak or prominent chin, or lips, chin, and other facial features that appear affected 
• Mouth breathing
• Baby teeth: Early or late loss of baby teeth 
• Snoring: Potential sign of obstructive sleep apnea 

Phase 1 and Phase 2 orthodontic treatments typically have a two to four year observation period in between each phase. They are different in the following ways:

• When they are used:
  Phase 1 is used when a child still has some baby teeth, while Phase 2 is used after all permanent teeth have erupted. Phase 2 usually begins between the ages of 12 and 14. 
• What they address:
  Phase 1 focuses on addressing major issues in a child’s mouth, such as overcrowding and jaw position. Phase 2 focuses on refining the smile and optimizing the positioning of permanent teeth. 
• How long they last:
  Phase 1 treatment usually lasts 12 months, but can be as short as 6 months or as long as 18 months. Phase 2 treatment usually takes 18 to 24 months, but mild cases can sometimes be corrected in a few months. 
• What they involve:
  Phase 1 treatment often involves braces, Invisalign, or a simpler orthodontic appliance. Phase 2 treatment can involve Invisalign, braces, retainers, rubber bands, or other appliances.

No, not everyone needs Phase 1 orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist will only recommend Phase 1 treatment if it’s absolutely necessary to correct issues with a child’s teeth or jaw. Some reasons why a child might not need Phase 1 treatment include: 

• Their teeth can wait until they have their permanent set 
• Their teeth don’t require immediate intervention 
• The overall outcome of their treatment won’t be affected 

Phase 1 treatment can be used on the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both, depending on the issues that need to be corrected. The goal of phase 1 treatment is to avoid or lessen future orthodontic problems by correcting current ones. Phase 1 treatment usually takes approximately 12 months, and is followed by a resting period before beginning 

Phase 2.