Phase 1 Orthodontics That Guides Growing Smiles
Early or Phase 1 orthodontics focuses on guiding jaw growth and dental development while children are still growing. Rather than waiting for all permanent teeth to come in, early orthodontic evaluations help identify developing concerns and determine whether gentle, interceptive care could benefit your child’s long-term smile and comfort. Parents across Broward County often schedule early orthodontic evaluations at Jacaranda Smiles to monitor jaw growth and determine whether phase 1 orthodontics may benefit their child.
At Jacaranda Smiles, phase 1 orthodontics is conservative, thoughtful, and personalized. Our orthodontists work closely with our pediatric dentists to monitor growth over time, explain what we’re seeing in clear language, and recommend treatment only when it truly supports your child’s development and confidence.
How does Phase 1 orthodontics support healthy development?
It guides jaw growth and makes room for permanent teeth while a child is still growing, which can make future treatment simpler. Phase 1 orthodontics isn’t about starting treatment early—it’s about starting at the right time. Early evaluations allow our orthodontic team to assess early childhood jaw development, bite patterns, spacing, and eruption patterns while your child is still developing.
When early treatment is appropriate, it can help guide growth and reduce the complexity of future orthodontic care. When it’s not needed, we provide reassurance and continue monitoring so nothing is missed.
Interceptive care helps guide jaw development into alignment while a child’s facial structures are still actively growing. To ensure structural issues are addressed during the most receptive developmental window, the American Association of Orthodontists officially recommends that every child receive their first comprehensive screening by age 7.
When primary baby teeth are lost too early due to decay or injury, custom pediatric space maintainers preserve critical arch room and prevent permanent teeth from becoming blocked or impacted.
Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics Include:
- Early identification of orthodontic concerns
- Guidance for jaw growth and bite development
- Space management for incoming permanent teeth
- Reduced likelihood of complex future treatment
- Coordinated pediatric and orthodontic care
Related reading: What is the best age to start orthodontics? and What is an overbite and why is it a problem?
Does my child need early orthodontic treatment?
Not always. Many children only need monitoring, and we recommend treatment only when it offers a clear long-term benefit. We take time to explain what we see, why it matters, and what options—if any—make sense right now.
This is one of the orthodontic treatments at Jacaranda Smiles.
STEP 1
Orthodontic Evaluation
We evaluate jaw growth, bite, alignment, and overall development in a calm, kid-friendly environment.
STEP 2
Clear, Personalized Guidance
If phase 1 orthodontics treatment is helpful, we explain why—clearly and without pressure.
STEP 3
Gentle Treatment Phase
When needed, treatment focuses on guiding growth rather than correcting everything at once.
STEP 4
Ongoing Monitoring
We continue monitoring development and adjust recommendations as your child grows.
Healthy Jaw Development
Early treatment guides jaw and facial growth while your child is still growing.
Simpler Treatment Later
Guiding growth early may shorten or simplify orthodontic treatment later on.
Positive First Experience
Calm, kid-friendly visits make a child’s first orthodontic experience a good one.
Clarity for Parents
We explain what we see and recommend treatment only when it offers a clear benefit.
Why do families trust Jacaranda Smiles for Phase 1 orthodontics?
Families across Broward County choose Jacaranda Smiles because early orthodontic care here is conservative, coordinated, and centered on long-term outcomes. We focus on education, reassurance, and thoughtful planning—not rushing treatment. Phase 1 orthodontics helps our orthodontists guide healthy jaw growth and bite development while children are still growing.
What Makes Us Different:
- Integrated pediatric and orthodontic care
- Clear, pressure-free recommendations
- Experienced orthodontic specialists
- Warm, child-centered environment
- Multiple convenient locations
Which offices offer Phase 1 orthodontics?
Phase 1 orthodontic care is available at all four Jacaranda Smiles offices in Broward County:
- Plantation office, close to Sunrise, Davie, Lauderhill, and Fort Lauderdale
- Margate office, close to Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, North Lauderdale, and Tamarac
- East Pembroke Pines office, close to Miramar, Hollywood, and Cooper City
- West Pembroke Pines office, close to Weston and Southwest Ranches
Why does a baby tooth lost early need a space maintainer?
Without one, neighboring teeth can drift into the gap and block the permanent tooth. Baby teeth serve as guides for permanent teeth. When baby teeth fall out prematurely, the surrounding teeth may crowd out the space left by the missing tooth leaving little or no room for permanent teeth.
Some children expectedly lose one or more baby teeth before time, probably due to injury or decay. But that should not cause too much alarm because child space maintainers can be used to keep the space until the child’s permanent teeth break out.
There are removable and fixed space maintainers, but we recommend fixed space maintainers since children are inclined to lose the movable type or not wear them reliably.
Space maintainers can be customized to provide your child’s mouth with the correct fit. Your child can be fitted with a space maintainer in just one appointment if it’s only a tooth that is missing. For multiple missing teeth, the dentist takes measurements and makes an impression of the space to be filled. A dental lab then creates the perfect space maintainer for your child.
How do you care for a space maintainer?
It’s necessary that your child observes usual oral health habits like flossing and brushing to prevent any irritations the spacers might cause as well as to protect teeth and gums. You can also use salt water or over-the-counter antibacterial mouthwashes which can heal gum tissues as well.
When Do You Remove Space Maintainers?
Contact your dentist when you or your child observe a permanent tooth trying to break out. This will help the dentist to determine the right time to remove the space maintainer. Never ignore your baby’s missing teeth. They serve the critical purpose of ensuring your child’s permanent teeth grow appropriately while also allowing them to eat solid foods.
Dr. Khakhria
Orthodontist | Founder of Jacaranda Smiles
Dr. Hugo
Orthodontist Serving South Florida Families
Dr. Carolynn
Board-Certified Orthodontist Serving South Florida Families
Early Braces FAQs
Flexible Payment Options
Our team walks you through payment options that work for your family.
Insurance Coordination
We accept most major plans for orthodontic treatment, including Aetna PPO, Cigna, Delta Dental PPO, Guardian PPO and MetLife PPO, and help you use your benefits. See the full list.
Upfront Pricing
We discuss costs before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
Reviewed by Dr. Khakhria · Last updated