Pediatric Service

Phase I Orthodontics in Alameda, Oakland, Pleasanton & Brentwood, CA

Learn about Phase I orthodontics in Alameda and how early treatment can guide jaw growth and tooth alignment.

Financial Information

Let's Talk About the Financial Side

We'll help you make sense of your insurance benefits so there are no surprises. Because every plan is different, we encourage families to check with their provider ahead of time. Your estimated patient portion is due at the time of service.

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When is Phase I Orthodontics Recommended?

Phase I treatment is recommended when specific issues are identified early, such as:

Severe Crowding: Not enough space for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
Crossbites: Upper teeth fitting inside the lower teeth when biting down.
Overbites/Underbites: Jaw misalignment causing bite issues.
Open Bites: Gaps between upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
Early Tooth Loss: Premature loss of baby teeth that disrupts the alignment of permanent teeth.
Thumb-Sucking or Other Habits: Habits that affect jaw and tooth development.
Facial Imbalance: Jaw or facial asymmetry affecting appearance and function.

A teenage patient with braces smiling outdoors

What are the Goals of Phase I Orthodontics

Guide Jaw Growth: Address jaw discrepancies during developmental stages.
Create Space: Prevent severe crowding by expanding the dental arches.
Improve Bite: Correct bite issues early to avoid more complex treatment later.
Promote Balanced Development: Ensure the upper and lower jaws grow proportionally.
Reduce Trauma Risk: Align protruding front teeth to minimize the risk of injury.
Simplify Future Treatment: Make braces or Phase II orthodontics (if needed) shorter and less complex.

What are some Common Treatments in Phase I Orthodontics

Expanders: Widen the upper jaw to create space for permanent teeth and improve bite alignment.
Partial Braces: Align a few teeth that may be causing problems.
Invisalign First: These are kid friendly aligners that can help expand the jaw
Space Maintainers: Preserve space for permanent teeth if baby teeth are lost too early.
Habit Appliances: Help children stop thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.
Jaw Correcting Appliances: Correct jaw growth discrepancies.

The Importance of Phase I Orthodontics

What Every Family Should Know

What is Phase I Orthodontics or early interceptive orthodontics?

Phase I Orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, focuses on early intervention to correct or minimize potential issues with the jaw development, the bite, and the alignment of teeth . It occurs while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. We utilize state of the art 3D technology such as CBCT and an iTero scanners to plan the patient’s care. Check Out Our Smile Gallery

What Comes After Phase I?

After completing Phase I, children enter a resting or retention phase where their oral development is monitored as permanent teeth continue to erupt. If additional treatment is needed, it occurs during Phase II Orthodontics or traditional braces, typically in adolescence, to achieve full alignment and bite correction.

Why Alameda Pediatric Dentistry

A Few Things We Think You Should Know

Here Since 1971

One of the Bay Area's longest-serving pediatric dental practices, with families now bringing in their own kids.

The Only Practice of Our Kind

The Bay Area's only office pairing on-site wisdom teeth extractions with orthodontics and a fully equipped sedation center, all under one roof.

Hospital Privileges

Credentialed at UCSF Benioff and Kaiser Oakland. When your child needs hospital-based care, you won't be handed off to someone new.

The APD Membership Plan

No insurance? Our plan covers cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays, plus 20% off other procedures. No deductibles or waiting periods.

Plans start at $30/month

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Connect With Us

We'd Love to Meet Your Family

First visit for your baby or orthodontics for your teenager, we're ready. Request an appointment at any of our four Bay Area locations.

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