Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase One or interceptive treatment, corrects specific problems while a child’s jaw is still growing and baby teeth are still in place. At Josh Johnson Orthodontics, Dr. Josh Johnson evaluates children at our Spokane office and our Liberty Lake office. He tells parents plainly whether their child needs treatment now, later or not at all. This page covers when an early evaluation makes sense, what Phase One can fix and what to expect at the first visit. To book a free consultation, call or text (509) 277-9773.
When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. By then most children have their first permanent molars and front teeth alongside their baby teeth. That mix lets an orthodontist judge how the jaws are growing and whether the adult teeth will have room to come in.
An evaluation at seven does not mean braces at seven. Most children we see at that age need no treatment yet. We simply note what to watch and check again as more permanent teeth arrive. A smaller group has a problem that is easier to correct now than after growth slows down, and that group is who early treatment is for.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment
Schedule an evaluation sooner rather than later if you notice any of these:
- Crowded or crooked front teeth, or adult teeth coming in behind baby teeth
- Upper teeth that sit behind the lower teeth when your child bites down (a crossbite or underbite)
- Upper front teeth that stick out well past the lower teeth (a large overbite or overjet)
- Large gaps between teeth
- A jaw that shifts to one side when your child closes, or a face that looks asymmetrical
- Thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting or mouth breathing that continues past the toddler years
- Baby teeth lost very early or very late compared with other children the same age
Your family dentist may also mention crowding or a bite concern at a checkup. That is a good prompt to have an orthodontist take a closer look.
What Phase One Treatment Can Correct
Phase One usually starts between ages six and ten, while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Its goals are specific and limited:
- Creating space for permanent teeth that would otherwise erupt crowded or become blocked.
- Guiding jaw growth to address overbites, underbites and crossbites while the jaw is still developing.
- Breaking harmful habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that push teeth out of position.
- Preventing bigger problems later, which can lower the chance of extractions or jaw surgery as a teen or adult.
Depending on the problem, Dr. Johnson may use a palatal expander to widen a narrow upper jaw, partial braces on a few front teeth, or clear aligners. Phase One is usually much shorter than full braces because it targets only the problem that cannot wait.
How Two-Phase Treatment Works
Early treatment is the first part of what orthodontists call two-phase treatment. Our other treatments page covers it in more detail. In short:
- Phase One addresses the urgent growth or space problem while the child is young.
- Resting phase. The remaining permanent teeth come in naturally. We see your child for regular checkups to confirm everything is developing as planned.
- Phase Two usually begins in the early teen years, once most or all permanent teeth are in. Full braces or aligners fine-tune the alignment and bite.
Will your child still need braces later? Often, yes. We say so at the start. The benefit of Phase One is that the second phase is usually shorter and simpler, because the hardest part of the problem was handled during growth.
When Early Treatment Is Not the Right Call
Not every orthodontic issue benefits from early correction. Mild crowding, small gaps and most cosmetic concerns can usually wait until the permanent teeth are in. Treating them early can mean two rounds of treatment where one would do. When waiting is the better plan, Dr. Johnson will tell you, and we will keep watching your child’s growth until the timing is right. Being told to wait is a normal, honest result of an early visit.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
The first visit is relaxed and quick for kids. Here is what happens:
- A conversation. We ask about your concerns, your child’s habits and anything your dentist mentioned.
- An exam. Dr. Johnson checks the teeth, bite, jaw growth and how your child breathes and swallows.
- Digital records. Our iTero scanner takes a 3D scan of the teeth with no impression putty, which most kids find easy.
- A clear answer. Before you leave, you will know whether your child needs treatment now, should be checked again later, or needs nothing at all.
If treatment is recommended, we explain the appliance, how long it will be worn and what it is meant to fix. For children in treatment, DentalMonitoring lets parents send progress scans from a smartphone, which can save trips into the office. See our technology page for more.
Why Spokane Families Choose Dr. Johnson
Dr. Josh Johnson has been creating smiles in the Spokane area since 2006. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Washington, graduating at the top of his class, and his Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Michigan. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the Washington State Society of Orthodontists. Meet Dr. Johnson or read reviews from local families.
Because we offer metal braces, clear braces and clear aligners, the recommendation for your child follows their bite and growth rather than a single product. See braces for kids in Spokane, braces for kids in Liberty Lake and clear aligners for kids.
Early Orthodontic Care in Spokane and Liberty Lake
Our Spokane office is at 510 E Hastings Rd, Suite B, on the north side, convenient for families from Colbert, Chattaroy and North Spokane. Our Liberty Lake office is at 21950 E Country Vista Dr, Suite 100A, close to Spokane Valley, Greenacres and Otis Orchards.
Early Orthodontic Treatment FAQs
What age is best for early orthodontic treatment?
When treatment is needed, Phase One typically starts between ages six and ten. The first evaluation should happen by age seven so problems can be caught in time.
Does early treatment mean my child will not need braces later?
Sometimes, but not usually. Many children still need a shorter second phase of braces or aligners once their permanent teeth are in. The first phase makes that second phase simpler.
Is early orthodontic treatment uncomfortable?
Children usually feel pressure or tenderness for a few days after an appliance is placed or adjusted. Soft foods help. Most kids adapt quickly.
Can early treatment help with thumb sucking or mouth breathing?
Yes. Habits like these can push teeth and shape the jaw, and Phase One is one way to address them along with the bite changes they cause.
How do I know if my child needs it?
An evaluation is the only reliable way to know. Book a visit, and Dr. Johnson will tell you whether treatment would help now or whether waiting is the better plan.
Schedule Your Child’s Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Catching a growth or space problem at the right time can make your child’s treatment shorter and simpler later. Book a free consultation at our Spokane or Liberty Lake office, or call or text (509) 277-9773. Families can also browse patient resources before the visit.