Early & Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment in
San Antonio, TX
When it comes to your child’s oral health and development, timing matters. Early orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive orthodontics or Phase 1 treatment, addresses developing dental and jaw problems in younger children before they become more complex and harder to correct. At Lucent Orthodontics and Dental Specialists in San Antonio, Dr. Shakourian provides expert early evaluations and interceptive care for children, giving your child the best foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Orthodontic Evaluation
152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041
☎ Call 210-361-2000
✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com
When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This may seem early, especially since most children still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth at this age. However, an early visit allows Dr. Shakourian to assess how your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite are developing and identify any potential issues while they are still in the early stages.
An early evaluation does not mean your child will necessarily need treatment right away. In many cases, Dr. Shakourian will simply monitor your child’s growth over time. However, if she identifies a developing problem that would benefit from early intervention, addressing it now can save your child time, discomfort, and expense down the road.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment is a focused period of orthodontic care that typically takes place between the ages of 6 and 10, while your child still has a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth. The goal of Phase 1 is not to achieve a perfect final alignment — that usually comes later with Phase 2 comprehensive treatment during the teen years. Instead, Phase 1 is about addressing specific developmental concerns early to create better conditions for the remaining permanent teeth to come in and to support healthy jaw growth.
Phase 1 treatment may involve the use of braces on certain teeth, specialized appliances such as palatal expanders, space maintainers, or other devices depending on the specific issues being addressed. Treatment duration typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, after which your child will enter a monitoring phase where Dr. Shakourian tracks their growth and development until it is time for Phase 2.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Orthodontic Evaluation
152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041
☎ Call 210-361-2000
✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com
Common Issues That Benefit from Early Intervention
Crossbites — When the upper jaw is too narrow and certain upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, a palatal expander can widen the upper jaw while the bones are still growing, correcting the crossbite and creating space for permanent teeth.
Severe crowding — If it is clear that the jaw does not have enough room for all of the permanent teeth to come in properly, early treatment can create additional space and guide eruption.
Protruding front teeth — Children with upper front teeth that stick out significantly are at a higher risk for dental trauma from falls or impacts. Early treatment can reduce the protrusion and lower the risk of injury.
Underbites — When the lower jaw grows ahead of the upper jaw, early intervention can help redirect jaw growth and prevent the underbite from becoming more severe.
Harmful oral habits — Habits like thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and prolonged pacifier use can affect how the teeth and jaws develop. Early orthodontic treatment can help correct the effects of these habits.
Early or late loss of baby teeth — If baby teeth are lost significantly earlier or later than expected, it can affect how permanent teeth come in. Space maintainers and other interventions can help keep everything on track.
Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking — If your child is having functional problems related to their bite or tooth alignment, early treatment can address the root cause and improve their day-to-day comfort.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Guides jaw growth — Early treatment can influence the growth and development of the upper and lower jaws while bones are still malleable, achieving corrections that would be much more difficult or even impossible to accomplish later.
Creates space for permanent teeth — By addressing crowding and guiding tooth eruption early, Phase 1 treatment can reduce the severity of crowding when all permanent teeth come in.
Reduces the need for extractions — Creating adequate space early may eliminate or reduce the need to extract permanent teeth later.
Lowers the risk of trauma — Correcting protruding front teeth early reduces the chance of dental injury from sports or accidents.
Simplifies future treatment — Children who undergo Phase 1 treatment often have shorter, simpler Phase 2 treatment as teenagers because the most significant issues have already been addressed.
Builds confidence early — Addressing visible dental concerns during childhood can help your child feel more confident about their smile during important social and developmental years.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Orthodontic Evaluation
152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041
☎ Call 210-361-2000
✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com
What Happens After Phase 1?
After completing Phase 1 treatment, your child enters a resting or monitoring phase. During this time, the remaining permanent teeth will continue to erupt, and Dr. Shakourian will see your child periodically to track their development. Once all or most permanent teeth are in, typically around age 11 to 13, Dr. Shakourian will evaluate whether Phase 2 comprehensive treatment is needed to finalize the alignment and bite.
It is important to understand that Phase 1 treatment does not always eliminate the need for Phase 2 braces or aligners. However, it often makes Phase 2 treatment shorter, simpler, and more comfortable because the groundwork has already been laid.
Free Children’s Orthodontic Evaluation in San Antonio
At Lucent Orthodontics, your child’s first orthodontic evaluation is completely free. Dr. Shakourian will thoroughly examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite; explain any findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms; and give you honest guidance about whether early treatment is recommended or if monitoring is the better approach. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, and offer flexible payment plans for families who need them.
Frequently Asked Questions — Early Orthodontic Treatment
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Shakourian can assess your child’s developing teeth and jaws and identify any concerns that may benefit from early attention.
Does my child need a referral from a dentist to see an orthodontist?
No. You can schedule a free evaluation directly with Lucent Orthodontics. While many families are referred by their general dentist, a referral is not required.
Will my child definitely need braces if they get early treatment?
Not necessarily. Phase 1 treatment addresses specific developmental concerns and can reduce the complexity of future treatment. Some children may still need Phase 2 comprehensive treatment as teens, while others may not. Dr. Shakourian will monitor your child and keep you informed every step of the way.
How long does Phase 1 treatment last?
Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on the issues being addressed. After this active phase, your child will enter a monitoring period until they are ready for comprehensive treatment if needed.
Is early orthodontic treatment covered by Medicaid?
Coverage depends on the specifics of the case and the Medicaid plan. Our team will verify your child’s Medicaid benefits and explain your coverage during your free consultation.
What signs should I watch for that my child may need early treatment?
Common signs include early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb-sucking past age 5, crowded or misplaced teeth, jaws that shift or make
