Catching orthodontic problems at the right developmental moment — typically between ages 7 and 10 — can prevent years of complex treatment later. Dr. Nourian's early interceptive orthodontics proactively guides your child's jaw and bite development for a healthier future.
PROACTIVE ORTHODONTIC CARE
Phase 1 interceptive orthodontic treatment addresses developing orthodontic issues during the mixed dentition phase — when a child has both baby and permanent teeth. During this window, the jaw bones are still growing and highly responsive to guidance, making it possible to correct structural issues that would be much more difficult or impossible to address once the jaw has fully matured.
Issues best caught early include crossbites, severe crowding, underbites, excessively narrow jaws, and habits like thumb-sucking that distort normal dental development. By treating these issues proactively, Dr. Nourian can often reduce the need for tooth extractions, jaw surgery, and extended Phase 2 braces treatment.
PHASE 1 INTERVENTIONS
Targeted Phase 1 appliances and interventions that redirect jaw growth and tooth development before problems become permanent.
Gently widens the upper jaw using the natural mid-palatal suture, creating space for adult teeth and correcting posterior crossbites before the suture fuses in adolescence.
Custom appliances that hold the space left by prematurely lost baby teeth, preventing neighboring teeth from drifting and blocking adult tooth eruption.
Fixed or removable appliances that discourage thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting habits that, if uncorrected, cause the jaw to grow in abnormal directions.
Limited bracket-and-wire treatment on specific teeth to correct localized crowding or alignment issues without committing to full comprehensive braces.
Functional appliances that harness the jaw's growth potential to correct skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws during the active growth phase.
After Phase 1 treatment, we continue to monitor jaw and tooth development through regular check-ups until your child is ready for Phase 2 comprehensive treatment.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS
The case for early interceptive orthodontics is compelling. Studies show that children who receive appropriate Phase 1 treatment have significantly better outcomes in Phase 2 — shorter treatment times, less need for extractions, and better final results. In some cases, early treatment eliminates the need for Phase 2 entirely.
More importantly, correcting crossbites, underbites, and severe crowding early prevents problems that become structural and permanent once the jaw finishes growing. Jaw surgery — which might be the only option for adult correction of certain bite problems — is almost always avoidable with timely Phase 1 intervention.
WHY CHOOSE US
Dr. Nourian's expertise in developmental orthodontics means every Phase 1 case is treated at precisely the right moment for maximum long-term benefit.
Dr. Nourian's orthodontic training includes deep expertise in child jaw development — knowing exactly when and how to intervene for the best outcomes.
We only recommend Phase 1 treatment when it delivers meaningful long-term benefit. If watchful monitoring is better, we'll tell you directly.
We maximize available insurance benefits for Phase 1 treatment and offer flexible financing for any out-of-pocket portion.
After Phase 1, we track your child's development until Phase 2 is appropriate, ensuring smooth transition and optimal final results.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions Hawthorne parents ask about Phase 1 interceptive orthodontic treatment.
Often yes — most children who receive Phase 1 treatment will still benefit from Phase 2 braces once all adult teeth have erupted, typically in their early teens. However, Phase 1 almost always makes Phase 2 shorter, simpler, and less costly. In a minority of cases, Phase 1 resolves issues so completely that Phase 2 is unnecessary.
Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 9 to 12 months, depending on the type of appliance used and the nature of the issue being corrected. Palate expansion generally takes about 6 months to achieve the desired result followed by a retention period. Dr. Nourian will give you a specific timeline based on your child's case.
The right time to catch orthodontic problems is now. Book a complimentary evaluation with Dr. Nourian at Trusted Dental & Orthodontics in Hawthorne.