Hours
Mon 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase 1 orthodontics, is a treatment that is performed on your child while some baby teeth are still present. The goal of this treatment is to anticipate and eradicate any developing issues, support facial and jaw bone growth, and create ample room for incoming permanent teeth. Early orthodontic treatment can provide your child with the proactive care they need to lead a lifetime of strong oral health.
Early orthodontic treatment may reduce the need to pull permanent teeth in the future.
Insurance-friendly office
Little-to-no interest financing
Paid-in-full discount
We believe that everyone deserves a chance at a healthy smile, and that’s why we do everything we can to make paying for dental care as easy as possible.
See real patient success stories.
A space maintainer is a custom-made dental piece, which allows ample room for your child’s permanent tooth to erupt and properly come into place. Made of either acrylic or metal material, this appliance can be removable or cemented in your child's mouth.
Palatal expanders are metal orthodontic appliances placed on the roof of your child’s mouth to widen the palate over time. These appliances expand narrow palates while aligning the upper teeth and jaw before it fully develops.
Made of medical-grade stainless steel brackets and archwires, braces apply pressure to your child’s misaligned teeth, creating a strong straight smile over time.
Phase 1 orthodontics, which begin between the ages of 6 to 10, can help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles, and Invisalign First offers a comfortable, removable solution for your little one’s orthodontic needs. Because the aligners are removable, they allow for easier brushing and flossing for better hygiene. Also, the absence of metal brackets wires results in less discomfort for a more positive experience overall for your child. As an added bonus, Invisalign First’s clear aligners can even help stop oral habits like tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. Schedule a consultation today to see if Invisalign First is right for your child!
This adult patient underwent a transformative journey with braces and four premolar extractions, achieving a beautiful result in just under three years.
This patient's path to a happy, healthy smile consisted of two distinct phases of treatment, with a break in between. Starting with the use of an expander and braces, he successfully completed his orthodontic journey before entering high school.
Utilizing an expander and braces.
This patient's story is one of improved sleep and a radiant, full smile. Thanks to treatment with an expander and braces, not only did her breathing issues while sleeping improve, but her smile also blossomed to its fullest potential.
At your consultation, your Kyle orthodontist will determine if treatment is necessary and beneficial for your child. First, Dr. Tessler will examine your child’s jaw, dental arches, and teeth to check for early signs of gaps, crowding, and misalignment. They will also address all oral habits like nail biting, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking. Dr. Tessler will be sure to share helpful flossing and brushing techniques to ensure good oral hygiene and a successful treatment outcome for your little one.
If your child isn't dentally ready for treatment, Dr. Tessler will continue to monitor your child's growth and development. The goal of growth monitoring is to create a healthy environment for your child's permanent teeth to erupt into. Having your child monitored for orthodontic issues can help create a foundation for a lifetime of good dental health and a beautiful smile!
Dr. Tessler will then take a series of x-rays and digital scans to document your child’s facial profile as well as any tooth or bite issues to determine if extractions or removable appliances will be necessary, such as a space maintainer, palatal expander, or limited braces. Each case is unique, so while some children benefit from a device used to maintain or move teeth and jaw positions, others see better results when some baby teeth are removed.
After gathering data and deciding on the best orthodontic treatment for your child, Dr. Tessler will securely place a custom dental appliance into your child’s mouth if need be. Once your child’s dental appliance is securely fixed, Dr. Tessler will check for proper fit to ensure maximum comfort.
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s orthodontist every 4-8 weeks to monitor progress. Phase 1 orthodontic treatment can be completed in 12-18 months or less, so your child can enjoy a strong, healthy smile for life.
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 Dr. Tessler with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.
The cost of children’s 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 care is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tessler.
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 children’s orthodontics 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.
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.
If your child shows one or more of the following signs and symptoms, they may be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment:
Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time