Phase 1 Orthodontic is a phased type of orthodontic treatment which utilizes growth to correct dental arch 's developmental problems. Timing is important in correcting immediate problems and future issues.In Phase 1 treatment, the goal is to achieve the correct position and symmetry of the jaws, to consider future growth and spacing of the teeth, to improve breathing and address other oral habits. All of the above, if left untreated, may affect dentofacial development.

All children should have an orthodontic assessment no later than the age of seven. The following are warning signs:  mouth breathing, speech difficulty, crowding, misplaced, or blocked out teeth, protruding, retruding teeth, finger sucking or other oral habits, etc.   When problem is detected, children can be treated at earlier age, usually  between age 7-11, to take advantage of continuing growth. 

In the past, orthodontic treatment did not begin until around age 12-14. This is when all the permanent teeth are already erupted or very close to it. It was common for the dentist to remove permanent teeth to correct the bite and allow for room for the final phase of tooth movement. Phase I  orthodontics help to develop arches, minimizing permanent tooth extraction.

BEFORE TREATMENT

Child has narrow, constricted upper  arche which have no room for canines' eruption and cause lateral incisors to  erupt into  crossed bite . Child  usually wouldn't tell parents of mouth breadthing habit, only admit when being aksed by the dentist. This child  needs arch development for proper tooth eruption and better breathing.

AFTER TREATMENT

Child went through arch development treatment for 12 months.  If detected early, arches can be developed by expansion appliances to create spaces for proper teeth eruption. In this case, upper canines start to erupt into the spaces developed by expasion appliancces. There are some minor tooth crowding  on the lower ache, however , these problems can be easily fixed in phase II orthodontic treatment.