Early Interceptive Orthodontics | Phase 1in Cerritos

Beginning proactive care early helps minimize or even eliminate the need for more extensive orthodontic treatments in the future. Give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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Why Should I Choose Early Interceptive Orthodontics?

At Bae Orthodontics, we understand that early intervention can make a world of difference in your child’s long-term oral health. That’s why we offer Early Interceptive Orthodontics, also known as Phase 1 treatment, to guide the growth of your child’s smile at just the right time.

What Is Early Interceptive Orthodontics?

Early interceptive orthodontics is designed for children between the ages of 6 and 10, when their jaws are still developing and not all their permanent teeth have come in. It allows our team to identify and correct orthodontic problems before they become more complicated—and more costly—to treat later.

This is not about putting braces on baby teeth. It’s about creating the right foundation for permanent teeth to grow in as straight, healthy, and well-aligned as possible.

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discover modern orthodontics

Dr. Bae stays at the forefront of Phase 1 orthodontic techniques, leveraging her published research in palatal expansion to guide effective treatment. Whether it’s guiding jaw development and facial balance, creating space for erupting teeth, or addressing habits like thumb-sucking, she offers cutting-edge orthodontics tailored to your child’s unique needs.

palatal expansion

jaw development

Dentofacial Orthopedics

Did you know…

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that kids get their first orthodontic consultation no later than the age of 7 years old.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Call (562) 955 2080

Invisalign First

Give your child the gift of a straighter smile with Invisalign First—designed just for growing teeth. These clear aligners gently guide young smiles into place, offering a comfortable, discreet alternative to traditional braces.

The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics

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Develop A Healthy Bite

Phase 1 orthodontics is particularly important in patients who may have serious jaw problems or a narrow palate. These issues can interfere with the development of a healthy bite. In the future, this could lead to problems when the permanent teeth start to erupt, such as speech impediments, premature tooth wear, and unfavorable jaw growth.

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Align teeth

Early interceptive orthodontics helps the adult teeth erupt in the proper places, and can reduce or even eliminate the misalignment of adult teeth. This improves your child’s smile and oral health.

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Treat Other Dental/Health Complications

A bad bite and misaligned teeth can contribute to or cause lots of other problems like disordered breathing, a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay, speech issues, and much more. Proper care from an expert orthodontist will prevent all of these problems and more.

Early Interceptive Orthodontics with Laser-Sintered Appliances

Give your child a head start on a healthy, beautiful smile with cutting-edge laser-sintered orthodontic appliances. Unlike traditional expanders or space maintainers that require multiple adjustments and uncomfortable separators, our precision-crafted appliances are designed for a seamless fit from the start. This means fewer visits, less discomfort, and a more efficient treatment process.

Board-Certified Orthodontist

When you bring your child to a board-certified orthodontist, you’re getting the peace of mind knowing that your little one’s smile is in the hands of an experienced professional who is dedicated to keeping up with the latest advancements in orthodontics and patient care.

iTero Intraoral Scanner

With our iTero intraoral scanner, we’re able to create accurate 3D models of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw structure, all without the need for messy impressions. These images allow us to create the most efficient treatment plans, and even see what your child’s smile will look like after their treatment has finished.

The Early Interceptive Orthodontics Treatment Process

Initial Consultation

First, your child will need to have an appointment with an experienced orthodontist. Dr. Bae will take detailed x-rays, perform a comprehensive exam, and assess their overall oral health to determine if your child needs Phase 1 orthodontics.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Once your child is approved for treatment, their orthodontist will develop a customized treatment plan. This could include special braces, habit appliances to help with things like thumb-sucking or bad swallow, palate expanders, headgear, and a variety of other treatments. Every child is different, Dr. Bae will discuss her plan with you and schedule all of the necessary follow-ups and checkups.

Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups

Phase 1 orthodontics typically takes about 12 – 18 months, though some patients may have shorter or longer treatment times. During this time, your child will come back to our office for visits with their orthodontist. Dr. Bae will check on their oral health, examine their progress, and make sure everything’s on track. This same process will continue until your child’s treatment is complete.

FaQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

What are the signs that my child may need early interceptive orthodontics?

If your child is showcasing one or more of the following signs & symptoms, they may be a good candidate for early interceptive orthodontic treatment:

Underbites
Crossbites
Crowded teeth
Excessively gapped teeth
Extra or missing teeth
Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking

Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.

What are the benefits of early interceptive orthodontics?

Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could worsen over time and cause severe dental issues in adulthood if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to recognize and eliminate these problems as early as possible, so a child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.

What causes orthodontic problems in my child?

While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.

At what age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.

How much does early interceptive orthodontics cost?

The cost of early interceptive orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s early interceptive orthodontics is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.