Early Orthodontic Treatment & Phase I Braces in Golden, CO

At Golden Kids Dental and Orthodontics, we provide early orthodontic evaluations and Phase I orthodontic treatment for children in Golden, Colorado. Our experienced orthodontic team helps identify developing concerns with tooth alignment, jaw growth, and bite function while children still have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven. At this stage, an orthodontist can evaluate jaw development, permanent tooth eruption, crowding, crossbites, and other concerns that may benefit from early attention.

Not every child needs braces or orthodontic treatment at an early age. In many cases, periodic monitoring is the best approach until a child reaches the appropriate stage of dental development. When early intervention is recommended, Phase I orthodontic treatment may include partial braces, palatal expanders, or other appliances designed to address specific developing problems.

Our team proudly serves families throughout Golden, Lakewood, Arvada, Evergreen, Wheat Ridge, Morrison, West Pleasant View, and surrounding Colorado communities.

Reasons for Phase I treatment:

• Moderate to severe crowding
• Excess overbite
• Cross bite
• Severe Deep bite
• Teeth not erupting in correct sequence
• Bite that is causing wear/damage to existing permanent teeth
• Narrow upper jaw
• severely protruding front teeth

Potential benefits of Phase I:

• Alleviate future and possibly more invasive dental correction
• The ability to take advantage of and to guide the growth of the jaw
• Lowering risk of damage to protruding front teeth
• The ability to correct any habits that may be causing dental developmental problems, such as thumb sucking
• Create space for future permanent teeth
• Prevent damage to teeth that are improperly aligned

Phase II will be ready to happen when all the permanent teeth are present. Full braces or Invisalign is worn and treatment time is usually between 18 to 24 months long. During phase II, the goal is to maximize function and appearance. Due to corrections made in phase I, phase II means less time in full braces.

Phase II:

Orthodontic treatment generally begins when most or all permanent teeth have erupted. This stage focuses on comprehensive tooth alignment, bite relationships, and smile development. Depending on the child's needs, Phase II may involve traditional braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances.

Children who complete Phase I treatment may still require Phase II orthodontics. Although early intervention can address selected problems before the permanent teeth erupt, it does not guarantee that later braces will be unnecessary or that total treatment time will be shorter.

Our orthodontic team evaluates each child's progress and recommends additional treatment only when appropriate.