Early Orthodontic Intervention with Phase I Treatment in San Antonio

What Is Phase I Orthodontics?

Phase I Orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is an early treatment approach designed to address developmental dental issues in children—often between the ages of 6 and 10. The goal is to guide proper jaw growth, improve bite function, and create space for permanent teeth to erupt naturally.

Rather than waiting for all adult teeth to come in, Phase I focuses on correcting problems at an early stage, helping reduce the need for more extensive treatment later. This proactive strategy can shorten or even eliminate the need for Phase II braces in the future.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. At this age, an orthodontist can identify subtle jaw and bite issues that may not be obvious to parents or general dentists.

At Alamo City Orthodontics, we evaluate:

• Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth
  
• Crowding or spacing issues
  
• Crossbites, overbites, and underbites
  
• Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits
  
• Mouth breathing or speech difficulties
  
  

By catching these issues early, we can take steps to guide your child’s oral development for better long-term outcomes.

What Does Phase I Treatment Include?

Every child’s treatment is personalized, but Phase I typically involves:

• Limited Braces to align early erupting teeth
  
• Palatal Expanders to widen the upper jaw
  
• Growth Modification Appliances to guide jaw development
  
• Space Maintainers to hold space for incoming permanent teeth
  
• Habit Appliances to discourage thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
  
  

This early intervention supports a healthier foundation for future dental alignment and may prevent the need for tooth extraction or surgery later in life.

Explore more about braces options or our bite correction treatments.

What Happens After Phase I?

Once Phase I treatment is complete, your child may enter a resting phase, where we monitor development as permanent teeth continue to erupt. During this time, your child may wear a retainer to hold their progress.

In many cases, a Phase II treatment—such as full braces or clear aligners during adolescence—will be used to finalize tooth alignment and bite position. Thanks to early intervention, Phase II treatment is often shorter and more predictable.

Is Phase I Right for Your Child?

Your child may benefit from Phase I orthodontics if you notice:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
  
• Difficulty chewing or biting
  
• Prolonged thumb-sucking
  
• Speech problems
  
• Protruding or misaligned front teeth
  
  

If you’re unsure, don’t worry—Dr. Dakota Miller, our board-certified orthodontist, offers a comprehensive consultation that includes advanced digital imaging and a personalized evaluation.

📍 Schedule an early orthodontic screening in San Antonio

Why Choose Alamo City Orthodontics for Phase I?

At Alamo City Orthodontics, we believe in starting strong and early. Our Phase I orthodontic services are designed with both function and confidence in mind—helping children avoid future complications with their bite, speech, and overall smile.

Here's what makes our care stand out:

• Board-certified care from Dr. Dakota Miller
  
• Modern diagnostic imaging to guide treatment planning
  
• A warm, kid-friendly environment
  
• Flexible insurance options and payment plans
  
• Personalized care for families across San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Castle Hills, Olmos Park, and beyond
  
  

Learn more about our values and commitment to care:

👉 Why Choose Us