Phase I Treatment for Kids: When Early Intervention Makes a Difference

As a parent, you want the best for your child's health — and that includes their dental development. Phase I orthodontic treatment (also called early intervention or interceptive treatment) is a targeted approach used in growing children to address developing problems before they become more serious. At Braces Adelaide, we see firsthand how timely intervention can make a significant difference in a child's long-term dental health.

What Is Phase I Treatment?

Phase I treatment is orthodontic care provided to children between the ages of 7 and 10, while they still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Unlike comprehensive braces (which align all permanent teeth), Phase I focuses on specific problems that are best corrected during active growth.

The goal isn't to perfectly align every tooth — it's to address structural issues that could worsen over time, create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly, and guide jaw growth in a favourable direction.

Common Reasons for Phase I Treatment

Narrow Upper Jaw (Crossbite)

A narrow upper jaw is one of the most common reasons for early intervention. When the upper jaw is too narrow, the back teeth may bite inside the lower teeth (posterior crossbite), or there may not be enough room for permanent teeth to come through without severe crowding.

A maxillary expander can widen the upper jaw while the mid-palatal suture is still open (typically before age 12–14), creating space and correcting the crossbite. This is much simpler and more predictable than attempting jaw expansion in a teenager or adult.

Severe Crowding

When it's clear that permanent teeth won't have enough space to erupt properly, early intervention can create room. This may prevent teeth from becoming impacted (stuck in the bone) or erupting in severely displaced positions.

Protruding Front Teeth

Children with significantly protruding upper front teeth are at increased risk of dental trauma from falls or sports injuries. Phase I treatment can reduce this protrusion, protecting the teeth during active childhood years.

Underbite (Lower Jaw Protrusion)

When the lower front teeth bite in front of the upper teeth, early treatment can guide growth to improve the jaw relationship while the child is still growing. Left untreated, some underbites worsen with age and may eventually require jaw surgery.

Harmful Habits

Prolonged thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing can affect jaw development and tooth position. Phase I treatment can address the dental effects of these habits and, in some cases, help break the habit itself.

How Does a Maxillary Expander Work?

The maxillary expander is one of the most common Phase I appliances. Here's what parents and children can expect:

The Appliance

A custom-made expander is cemented to the upper back teeth. It sits against the roof of the mouth and has a small screw mechanism in the centre.

The Activation

Parents turn the screw using a small key, typically once daily for 2–4 weeks (Dr Jensen will provide specific instructions). Each turn widens the expander by approximately 0.25mm, gradually separating the two halves of the upper jaw.

What to Expect

• First few days: Some pressure on the teeth and palate is normal. Your child may feel pressure around the nose or between the eyes — this is expected and temporary.
• A gap may appear: A space between the upper front teeth often develops during expansion. This is actually a positive sign that the jaw is widening correctly. The gap closes naturally over the following weeks.
• Speech: Your child may sound slightly different for the first few days as their tongue adjusts to the appliance. This resolves quickly.
• Eating: Soft foods are recommended for the first few days. After that, most foods are fine — just avoid very sticky or hard items that could dislodge the appliance.

Timeline

• Active expansion: 2–4 weeks of daily turning
• Stabilisation: The expander remains in place (without turning) for 3–6 months to allow new bone to form in the expanded area
• Total time in the appliance: Approximately 6–9 months

Phase I Treatment at Braces Adelaide

Summer's Story

One of our recent Phase I patients, Summer, presented with significant crowding and a narrow upper arch. Using a maxillary expander to widen the upper jaw, followed by junior braces to align the teeth, we achieved a dramatic improvement — creating space for her adult teeth to erupt properly and correcting her bite early.

What's Included

Our Phase I treatment packages include:

• Initial consultation and diagnostic imaging ($99)
• Custom appliance fabrication and fitting
• All adjustment and monitoring appointments
• Junior braces (if required as part of the Phase I plan)
• Retainers following active treatment
• Regular monitoring of permanent tooth eruption

Cost

Phase I treatment at Braces Adelaide starts from $1,900, with typical cases ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 depending on complexity. Weekly payments start from just $37/week with our 0% interest-free payment plans.

This represents significant value when you consider that early intervention may reduce or eliminate the need for comprehensive braces later — potentially saving thousands of dollars in future treatment.

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic assessment by age 7. At this age:

• The first permanent molars have erupted, establishing the bite
• Developing problems can be identified early
• Growth can be harnessed to guide treatment
• Some issues are much simpler to correct at this age

Signs to Watch For

Bring your child in for an assessment if you notice:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Mouth breathing or snoring
• Thumb sucking beyond age 5
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Front teeth that protrude significantly
• Upper and lower teeth that don't meet properly
• Jaw shifting to one side when biting

What If No Treatment Is Needed?

Not every child who visits at age 7 will need Phase I treatment. In many cases, Dr Jensen will simply monitor your child's development with periodic check-ups (at no additional cost) and recommend comprehensive treatment at the appropriate time — typically around age 11–13.

An early assessment is never wasted. Even if treatment isn't needed now, having a baseline record and professional monitoring ensures nothing is missed.

Phase I vs. Waiting for Comprehensive Treatment

A common question parents ask is: "Can we just wait and do everything later?"

In some cases, yes — and Dr Jensen will always recommend the most conservative approach. However, there are specific situations where waiting can lead to:

• More complex treatment — problems that could have been corrected simply may require extractions or surgery later
• Longer treatment time — what could have been 6–9 months of Phase I may become 24+ months of comprehensive treatment
• Higher cost — comprehensive treatment for a complex case costs significantly more than early intervention
• Impacted teeth — permanent teeth that can't erupt properly may become stuck in the bone, requiring surgical exposure
• Dental trauma — protruding front teeth are vulnerable to injury during sports and play

The decision is always made on a case-by-case basis, with your child's best interests as the priority.

Book a Children's Assessment

If your child is 7 or older and hasn't had an orthodontic assessment, now is the ideal time. Our $99 consultation includes full diagnostic imaging and a thorough examination by Dr Jensen, who will provide an honest recommendation about whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all.

Early detection gives your child the best chance of a healthy, confident smile — with the simplest possible treatment journey to get there.