AI Summary: Phase 1 (Interceptive) treatment typically lasts 12–18 months and focuses on correcting foundational jaw and bite issues before all adult teeth emerge. It uses appliances like expanders or partial braces to prevent more severe problems later.

The Goal of Phase 1

Phase 1 isn’t about perfectly straight teeth—it’s about building a healthy foundation. At Neal Smiles, we use it to:

• Widen a Narrow Jaw: Using a palatal expander to prevent crowding and improve the airway.
• Stop Damage: Correcting a crossbite that causes teeth to wear down unevenly.
• Improve Self-Esteem: Helping children feel confident during their formative school years.
• Make changes in unfavorable facial development

What Happens After Phase 1?

Once Phase 1 is complete, your child enters a “Resting Period.” Dr. Neal will monitor the remaining adult teeth as they erupt. In most cases, a shorter “Phase 2” (full braces or Invisalign) will follow once all adult teeth are in to finalize the “Smiles” look.