Child Orthodontics- Phase I Orthodontics
in Bee Cave, Kyle, and Austin
There are two distinct "phases" of orthodontic treatment that orthodontists recommend to growing individuals. Phase I Orthodontics goes by many names: Early Orthodontics, Interceptive Orthodontics, Limited Orthodontics, or Phase I Orthodontics which is sometimes written as Phase 1/One Orthodontics. Many people have not heard of phase I orthodontics because it is only recommended when necessary. Usually, people have not heard about it unless they know someone who needed interventional orthodontic treatment.
Phase I Orthodontics is when we intervene at a young age while many baby teeth are still present to address a problem that could potentially get worse without correction. Whereas, phase II orthodontics or comprehensive orthodontics is when we correct orthodontic concerns in adolescents with mostly or all permanent teeth present. At Boss Orthodontics, we are all about creating long-term, healthy smiles.
Does Your Child Need Phase I Orthodontic Treatment?
In this video, Dr. Boss explains when early treatment can help, when monitoring is the better choice, and what parents can expect from expanders and a possible second phase of treatment.
Read the video transcript: Phase I orthodontics
Transcript lightly edited for clarity.
When early treatment can help
Why would a child need orthodontic treatment if they still have baby teeth? Phase one treatment, or early interceptive orthodontics, helps address a developing issue with the teeth or bite while there's still an opportunity to guide growth and help permanent teeth come in. That might mean correcting a crossbite, creating space for permanent teeth to come in, or addressing a habit that's affecting the bite.
But not every child needs orthodontic treatment. An exam at age seven helps us determine if we need to act now or monitor development. At Boss Orthodontics, we'll be very transparent about this decision. We only recommend phase one when we truly believe there's a benefit to doing something now versus waiting and doing things in a single phase. We ask ourselves, what would we do if this was our child?
Crowding and crossbites
One situation where phase one is really impactful is somebody who has significant crowding in the front, and we can use an expander to create more space for those front teeth. Expanding the top jaw also indirectly helps expand the lower jaw to provide more space for these permanent front teeth.
Another very common reason to do a phase one treatment is a front or back tooth crossbite. If the upper jaw is too narrow, the lower jaw often has to shift in order to close, and that constant shifting to one direction can cause the jaw to grow asymmetrically. If it's a front tooth crossbite, that can cause permanent wear and chipping of the front teeth.
Expanders and targeted treatment
The goal of phase one treatment is to address the problem at hand and get tooth and jaw development back on track so we can have a better outcome down the road. Depending on the problem, we may recommend an expander, braces on select teeth, or another targeted approach.
When we need an expander, we order 3D custom-printed bands. This allows the appliance to fit passively over the molars versus needing a metal ring to get wedged tightly between the teeth. Our self-opening expanders have a spring that delivers light, continuous force versus a traditional screw-type rapid palatal expander where you feel large bursts of force when you turn it. This can be more comfortable for patients, and it's really nice for parents because they don't have to do the turns at home.
Phase two and your child's consultation
Most children who have a phase one treatment will still need a phase two treatment when all the permanent teeth come in. This could be braces; this could be clear aligners. We'll be very upfront about the reasoning behind recommending a phase one versus waiting and doing a single-phase treatment.
At your free consultation, we'll explain what we see and let you know if there's any reason to do a phase one treatment now or if we can wait. I always tell parents that we don't want to miss the boat. It's better to know and know that we need to do something than to fast-forward a few years, when all the permanent teeth are in, and wish that we had done something earlier.
For more information, explore our guides to braces with baby teeth and orthodontic expanders. Ready to find out whether treatment or monitoring is right for your child? Schedule a free consultation.
When Is the Ideal Time To Orthodontics?
Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends the evaluation of children by an orthodontist by the age of 7? Many developmental concerns can be diagnosed and corrected at this young age before they become more complex problems.
Phase I orthodontics, also known as interceptive or early orthodontics, typically takes place between the ages of 7 and 11. It is designed to intercept problems with the growth, development, or eruption of teeth, allowing us to intervene while a child's jawbones are extremely malleable and responsive to treatment, which ensures quick results.
What Is the Goal of Early Treatment?
The goal of early treatment is to set your child's teeth and jaws on the path of proper growth and development. Our aim is to quickly and efficiently address those issues that would otherwise become worse or cause irreversible damage if left uncorrected. To accomplish this, we use a combination of appliances and at times braces on select teeth.
Usually, a main component of phase I treatment is expansion or space regaining. This creates space for the permanent teeth that have yet to come in. For children with moderate crowding, early treatment can potentially create space for adult teeth that would otherwise not have had room. While for some cases, extractions may be unavoidable, phase I orthodontics offers the best chance to potentially avoid them. Most children who undergo early treatment will require braces or clear aligners a few years later when all of their permanent teeth are in. Phase II treatments are usually shorter and less complicated.
Why Would Your Child Need Early Treatment?
Conditions requiring early treatment/ phase I orthodontics include:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Crossbite (front and back)
- Protruding teeth
- Underbites
- Severe overbites
- Early baby tooth loss
- Thumb or finger sucking after age 5
- Mouth breathing
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Speech impediments due to jaw anatomy
- Jaws and teeth that are growing disproportionately
Examples of Early Treatment
One of the most common examples of phase I orthodontic treatment is an expander to correct a crossbite or make space for permeant teeth to prevent future a impaction. Space regaining with expanders is more effective during this age and the results are more stable. Sometimes the same treatment options are not possible at a later date because we may have missed the ideal window of intervention. Crossbites are very important to correct ASAP because they often lead to the lower jaw growing off to one side (asymmetrically). The quicker the crossbite is corrected, the sooner the lower jaw growth can return to normal and the less severe the asymmetry. Other interceptive treatments may include braces on select teeth, habit appliances or the timed removal of baby teeth to help the adult teeth come in correctly.
Why Choose Boss Orthodontics for Phase I Orthodontic Treatment?
Dr Boss & Boss have a passion for Phase I treatment (when needed) and use the latest orthodontic appliances to make your child's care efficient and comfortable such as our self-expanding expander with custom 3D printed bands. We can make a profound change on your child during this interceptive phase of orthodontics to get growth and dental development back on track. We specialize in personalized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults with three convenient locations in Austin, Kyle, and Bee Cave. Our experienced team is committed to helping your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. We offer state-of-the-art technology, a welcoming environment, and customized treatment plans tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Average Costs for Phase I (Early Interceptive) Orthodontic Treatment
How much does Phase I Cost?
Typical Phase I Treatment Fees:
• Most Phase I (early interceptive) treatment plans range from $1,500 to $4,300 (before insurance) for the interceptive orthodontic phase of treatment.
• In some cases, treatment may be slightly less or more depending on the mix of appliances and complexity of the needs.
Why Costs Vary:
The final cost of Phase I treatment depends on several factors, including:
Treatment complexity: mild space guidance versus significant growth modification
Type of appliances: palatal expanders, habit appliances, or limited braces can affect the total investment
Combination treatments: a Phase I expander plus limited braces may cost more than an appliance alone.
Length and difficulty: longer monitoring or more frequent adjustments add to costs
Insurance coverage: many dental plans offset part of the fee, but benefits vary widely
At Boss Orthodontics: Your Child Comes First
At Boss Orthodontics, we invest in some of the latest orthodontic technologies and highest-quality appliances available, including custom 3D-printed bands and modern, self-opening expanders. These advanced tools allow us to deliver more precise, comfortable, and efficient treatment for growing smiles.
While these technologies can cost a little more for us to provide, we remain competitively priced for our area and believe the difference is worth it — especially when it comes to your child’s care.
Orthodontic treatment is not something you want to “shop for based on the lowest price.” As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The quality of the appliances, the experience of the doctor, and the time spent with your child all matter.
At our office, we:
Take the time to carefully evaluate your child’s growth and development
Use high-quality appliances designed for comfort, durability, and effectiveness
Focus on personalized care, not rushing patients through appointments
Limit volume so we can prioritize attention, communication, and results
Your child deserves an orthodontic team that values quality care and exceptional service over treating as many patients as possible. That’s the difference you’ll feel at Boss Orthodontics — and the difference that shows in long-term results.
Why Choosing a Board Certified Orthodontist Matters
You may hear that other dentists besides orthodontists offer early orthodontic services. While well-meaning, these providers typically only treat orthodontic cases occasionally as part of a broader practice.
In contrast, orthodontists are specialists trained exclusively in tooth movement, jaw development, and bite correction — and that’s literally what we do all day, every day. We complete years of additional education beyond dental school focused solely on orthodontics.
This deep specialization means:
• We diagnose subtle growth and bite patterns early
• We customize treatment plans based on growth potential and individual needs
• We manage development to help reduce future treatment complexity
• We monitor and adjust appliances precisely throughout treatment
When it comes to your child’s smile and long-term oral health, who you trust matters — and you can be confident that a board-trained orthodontist is best equipped to guide your child’s care from early interceptive treatment through any later phases.
Phase I Orthodontics/ Interceptive Orthodontic Before and Afters
Phase I Orthodontic Appliance Examples
Ready to Smile with Confidence?
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Ready to smile with Confidence?
Click to schedule a Free Consultation. We can't wait to see you!
Child Orthodontics Near Me / Early Orthodontic Treatment Near Me
Contact Boss Orthodontics in Bee Cave, Kyle, and Austin TX, to learn more about the many benefits of early orthodontic treatment. We will evaluate how your child's mouth is growing and developing, and will recommend intervention, if necessary, to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.
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