Kids
Early orthodontic treatment
Early orthodontic treatment, often called Phase 1, is treatment started while a child still has some baby teeth, usually between about ages 7 and 10. Most children don’t need it. A check-up by about age 7 shows whether anything needs attention now or can simply be watched.
Reviewed by Dr. Yugal Behl, orthodontist · October 20, 2026
When early treatment can help
Your orthodontist may suggest starting early when waiting could make a problem harder to fix. Common reasons include:
- A crossbite, where upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
- Severe crowding, or teeth coming in out of place
- Front teeth that stick out and are easier to injure
- An underbite or other jaw growth concerns
- Habits such as thumb sucking that are affecting the teeth
What early treatment involves
Phase 1 is usually shorter and more targeted than full braces. Depending on the problem, it may use a palatal expander to widen the upper jaw, braces on some teeth, or a removable appliance. Many children need a second phase of treatment later, once their adult teeth are in, but it is often simpler.
Invisalign® First and the Invisalign Palatal Expander
For some children, Phase 1 can be done with Invisalign First clear aligners, and the Invisalign Palatal Expander can widen the upper jaw without a fixed metal expander. Your orthodontist will tell you whether they suit your child.
Appliances used in Phase 1
Phase 1 is planned around the specific problem. Depending on your child’s needs, it may use:
- A palatal expander to widen a narrow upper jaw
- Braces on some teeth (partial braces) to straighten front teeth or make room
- A Class III facemask to guide the upper jaw forward in an underbite
- A habit appliance to help stop thumb or finger sucking
- A space maintainer to hold room for an adult tooth after a baby tooth is lost early
Phase 1, then Phase 2
Early (Phase 1) treatment usually takes about 12 to 18 months. Many children then need a second, shorter phase once their adult teeth are in, to finish the alignment and bite. Phase 1 fees typically range from $1,500 to $4,800, from a simple appliance to Class III facemask therapy.
Free check-ups while we watch growth
The first check-up is free. If your child doesn’t need treatment yet, we keep an eye on growth with follow-up visits every 6 to 12 months, also free, until treatment is needed, if it ever is.
If your child doesn’t need treatment yet
That’s the most common outcome. We’ll suggest when to check again as teeth and jaws keep growing, with no cost or commitment for the check-up.
