It is sometimes appropriate to begin orthodontic treatment with braces on children who are either very young or on children who do not have all of their permanent teeth in place. When we initiate treatment for children at such an early stage, it is called early treatment or Phase I treatment. Typically, this treatment is performed in children who are between the ages of 6 and 12 years. The objective of treatment at this time is to correct problems with the bite that can worsen with time and become very difficult to deal with as the child gets older. This treatment can help to create space and avoid the need for teeth to be removed during the second Phase of braces when all the permanent teeth are in place. Occasionally, a second phase of treatment can be eliminated altogether.
