Parents of patients at Younis Orthodontics are often surprised to hear that orthodontic care can start earlier than the teen years. If your child still has baby teeth, you might not be thinking about braces yet, but that early window is exactly when some important issues can first show up. The treatment to address these issues is called interceptive orthodontic treatment, two-phase orthodontic treatment, or phase one treatment.
Start Early, Catch More
Phase one orthodontic treatment is designed to make future orthodontic care simpler. It starts when your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, usually between the ages of 7 and 10. At this stage, the jaw is still growing. That flexibility allows for changes that may become harder later on. Some issues respond better to early correction, and phase one gives your orthodontist the opportunity to create space or shift growth direction before everything is set.
Not every child needs this kind of early intervention. That’s why we recommend custom evaluations. Some kids benefit from early care. Others are best served by a wait-and-watch approach. Catching problems early helps reduce the chance of surprises in the teenage years.
Children who receive braces in Martinsburg, WV, can reap many benefits, including feeling more confident at school, playing sports, and participating in social events. It’s also easier to build good habits and positive attitudes about dental health when kids feel supported by both their family and their care team from the start.
Red Flags To Watch For
Some kids show early signs that a developing problem is on the horizon. Some orthodontic concerns are more subtle and might not be visible to the untrained eye. These might include:
- Teeth coming in at unusual angles
- The bite not lining up properly (underbite, overbite, crossbite)
- Baby teeth are falling out too soon or staying too long
- The jaw looks narrow or seems to shift
- Thumb-sucking continues past early childhood
- Teeth appear crowded even before adult teeth arrive
If anything feels off with how your child’s teeth look or function, it’s worth getting a second look from a Martinsburg orthodontist. We can take a look and help you decide what’s next.
What Happens During Phase One?
Every treatment plan looks different, but this early phase usually includes small appliances or limited braces to:
- Create space for incoming teeth
- Help jaws grow in balance
- Reduce the risk of future extractions
This active phase typically lasts 9–12 months, followed by a resting period to allow growth to continue naturally. We call this the resting phase. It gives the remaining adult teeth time to come in naturally. During this phase, we check in periodically to monitor progress. Once most or all of the adult teeth are in place, we’ll review whether additional treatment is needed.
There’s no need to be concerned about how this might impact your child’s routine. We work with Martinsburg families every day to make sure appointments are convenient and treatment fits smoothly into school and activity schedules. We do everything we can to keep your child’s experience positive for everyone involved!
What’s Phase Two All About?
If another round of care is needed, we’ll begin phase two. This is where alignment and bite correction are finalized. This stage often involves full braces, but how long it lasts depends on what phase one has already addressed.
Because early treatment corrected specific issues, the second phase is often simpler. Some kids need less time in braces. Others avoid extractions or more involved procedures. That’s the strength of a two-phase orthodontic treatment approach—it builds on itself.
When to Schedule That First Visit
You don’t have to wait for issues to be noticeable and consequential before seeing an orthodontist. In fact, scheduling an initial consultation around age seven is often the best way to get ahead of problems before they start. At this age, we can see how the jaw is developing, whether teeth have the space they need, and how the bite is forming. Even if your child seems to have no issues, an early screening helps confirm that everything is on track and developing normally.
This appointment doesn’t mean treatment will begin right away. Many times, kids are simply placed on a monitoring schedule. During monitoring, we track your child’s growth and dental development through occasional checkups. These visits allow us to watch how their teeth come in, keep an eye on how their bite is changing, and catch potential issues before they become more serious. Timing is everything in interceptive orthodontics.
It also gives us a chance to answer questions, ease any nerves, and build a relationship that helps your child feel comfortable every step of the way.
Your Partner For Early Orthodontic Care In Martinsburg
We’re proud to care for growing smiles throughout Martinsburg and nearby communities. Our team understands that early orthodontic visits can feel like a big step, and we’re here to make that experience comfortable, clear, and encouraging for families.
Dr. Younis brings years of experience and a calm, personal approach to every consultation. We take the time to explain your child’s development and review photos, X-rays, and digital scans with you and your child, so you can clearly see what we see and your child can be involved in the process. Whether your child needs to start phase one or simply continue with observation, you’ll leave with answers you trust and a plan that works.
Schedule A Consultation With A Trusted Martinsburg Orthodontist
We’re here to offer real answers, practical options, and the kind of care that puts your child’s comfort and long-term health first. If your child is around age seven and hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, now’s the perfect time. We’ll check their growth, identify any concerns, and talk through the best plan moving forward. Schedule your child’s free consultation with Dr. Younis at Younis Orthodontics in Martinsburg, WV, to learn more about interceptive orthodontic treatment and how it could shape your child’s smile for the better.