Orthodontics for Children

Phase I Orthodontics

Phase I orthodontics, also known as interceptive treatment, is designed to address specific dental issues in young children. At Los Angeles Orthodontics, we specialize in early orthodontic care for children in Los Angeles, California, aiming to guide the development of your child’s teeth and jaws for optimal long-term oral health.

Early treatment is often necessary to achieve particular goals and can usually begin once the four permanent first molars and the upper and lower front teeth have erupted. Some of the common issues that can be addressed during Phase I include:

• Correction of Protruded Front Teeth: Reducing the risk of injury or fracture by aligning protruded teeth.
• Correction of Deep Overbite: Ensuring a proper bite and preventing wear on the front teeth.
• Improving Skeletal Relationships: Guiding the development of the upper and lower jaws to ensure a balanced facial structure. Expanding the palate can reduce the need for extractions of permanent teeth and may prevent the need for jaw surgery later.
• Smile Straightening: Enhancing the appearance of your child’s smile.
• Habit Cessation: Assisting with stopping finger-sucking and thumb-sucking habits that can affect dental development.
• Management of Crowded Teeth: Creating space for proper alignment of permanent teeth.

Once Phase I treatment is complete, our team will continue to monitor the eruption of your child’s permanent teeth a few times per year until all adult teeth are present. At this stage, Dr. Rehana Khan will evaluate the need for any additional treatment.

If you believe early orthodontics might be right for your child, please contact us today at 213-481-0820 to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist and team. We look forward to helping your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.