At Shafer Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves a smile that boosts confidence and promotes lifelong oral health. As “The Smile Family You Want, The Ortho Team You Need” in Champaign, IL, Dr. Robert Shafer and our expert team are passionate about guiding families through every step of their orthodontic journey — especially when it comes to early treatment.
If you have a child between the ages of 7 and 10, you might wonder why orthodontists recommend a Phase 1, or early, orthodontic treatment. In this post, we’ll explain when and why early treatment can make all the difference in your child’s smile and comfort. Plus, we’ll share how Shafer Orthodontics is here to support your family with gentle, personalized care.
What is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment, also called early orthodontic treatment, typically begins when your child has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth — usually between ages 7 and 10. This initial stage focuses on addressing jaw growth issues, severe crowding, bite problems, or habits that could negatively affect dental development.
Unlike traditional braces that straighten teeth later on, Phase 1 targets the underlying skeletal or jaw alignment problems. Early intervention means we can guide your child’s smile development, creating room for permanent teeth to come in properly and often reducing the need for more extensive treatment later.
Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Early Treatment
Not every child requires early orthodontics, but there are some clear signs that Phase 1 treatment may be beneficial. At Shafer Orthodontics, we recommend an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to identify these indicators. Here are a few red flags that warrant a closer look:
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting habits beyond early childhood
- Protruding teeth or a noticeable overbite or underbite
- Crowded, crooked, or misplaced teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Jaw shifts or asymmetry when your child bites down
Catching these issues early gives Dr. Shafer the chance to make adjustments while your child’s jaws are still growing, making treatment more effective and comfortable.
How Does Early Treatment Benefit Your Child?
The benefits of early orthodontic care go beyond just a beautiful smile. Here’s what families in Champaign, IL can expect from Phase 1 treatment at Shafer Orthodontics:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved Jaw Alignment | Guides jaw growth to prevent or reduce bite problems like overbite or crossbite |
| Creates Room for Teeth | Helps crowded or misplaced teeth have enough space to come in naturally |
| Reduces Risk of Trauma | Protruding front teeth are more prone to injury; early treatment can reposition them |
| Enhances Facial Symmetry | Encourages balanced facial development |
| Simplifies Future Treatment | May reduce the need for extractions, jaw surgery, or lengthy Phase 2 treatment |
| Boosts Confidence Early On | Helps kids feel proud of their smiles throughout childhood |
At Shafer Orthodontics, we often use state-of-the-art appliances tailored for kids, including our popular Wild Smiles braces, which make the experience fun and unique.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Early Treatment at Shafer Orthodontics
When you bring your child to Shafer Orthodontics for an early evaluation, Dr. Shafer will perform a comprehensive exam including X-rays and digital scans to assess their dental and facial development. If Phase 1 treatment is recommended, we’ll explain the plan clearly and answer all your questions.
The length of early treatment varies but typically lasts 9 to 15 months. During this time, your child might wear appliances such as expanders, partial braces (including Wild Smiles), or retainers designed to gently correct jaw growth and tooth positioning.
Our team prioritizes comfort, education, and encouragement — ensuring your child’s experience is positive so they look forward to their visits. We also offer the Shafer Time Saver scheduling system to make appointments convenient for busy families.
When Does Early Treatment End? What Comes Next?
Phase 1 treatment is not the end — it’s the foundation. After completing early orthodontics, your child will enter a “resting” period where we monitor their growth and dental eruption. Most kids begin Phase 2 treatment between ages 11 and 13, when all permanent teeth have erupted, to finalize alignment and bite correction.
The goal of early treatment is to set your child up for success — ultimately leading to a healthy, beautiful smile with less discomfort and often shorter treatment time overall. If Phase 1 isn’t necessary immediately, we still recommend regular orthodontic checkups to time treatment perfectly.
For details on our approach and how we guide families through early treatment, visit our dedicated page on Early Treatment at Shafer Orthodontics.
At Shafer Orthodontics, we’re proud to serve families throughout Champaign, IL with expert, compassionate orthodontic care tailored to every smile stage. If you’re wondering whether early orthodontic treatment could benefit your child, don’t wait for problems to worsen — schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Shafer today.
Call us at 217.356.9595 to book your child’s early evaluation and take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile!