Gentle, kid-approved early orthodontic care that helps your child’s smile grow into a healthy, confident future, from a family-owned team that’s here for the long haul.
Worried your child might need braces? Heard the dentist mention “Phase 1” and feeling a little lost? You’re not alone.
Parents across the North Country come to us with questions like:
Phase 1 orthodontics (also called early or interceptive orthodontic treatment) is a short, gentle phase of care that happens while your child still has some baby teeth, usually between ages 7 and 10. The goal isn’t to give them a full set of braces right away.
It’s to gently guide jaw growth, make room for incoming adult teeth, and prevent bigger issues later on.
At Plattsburgh & Potsdam Orthodontics, your first visit is always free, and we’ll only recommend Phase 1 treatment if your child genuinely needs it.
Phase 1 treatment isn’t about giving every child braces early. It’s about catching the smaller issues before they become bigger ones. Here’s what it can do for your child:
For the right child, Phase 1 treatment can dramatically simplify their orthodontic future. And for kids who don’t need it? We’ll tell you that, too, honestly, in plain language, with no pressure.
We work hard to make every visit feel calm, friendly, and stress-free for your child and for you. Here’s what the Phase 1 journey usually looks like:
Throughout it all, you’ll have a team that’s just a phone call away, happy to answer questions, schedule around school and sports, and check in if anything feels off.
By age 7, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which is the perfect time to spot patterns that could affect their long-term smile. The American Association of Orthodontists actually recommends that every child have their first orthodontic visit by age 7 for exactly this reason.
Phase 1 treatment can help correct:
Crowding: when there’s not enough room for adult teeth to come in straight
Crossbites: when upper and lower teeth don’t line up the way they should
Open bites: when front teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed (often from thumb-sucking)
Overbites and underbites: bite issues that can be guided more easily while the jaw is still growing
Spacing issues: when teeth are widely spaced or shifting unpredictably
Jaw development concerns: narrow palates, asymmetric growth, or breathing-related issues
A little extra care at home goes a long way during Phase 1 treatment. Here’s what helps most:
If something feels off, loose, broken, sharp, or uncomfortable, just give us a call. We’re always happy to take a look and make adjustments.
Happy Smiles Across the North Country
One Family-Owned Team Potsdam & Plattsburgh
of Caring Experience Trusted by local families
From a child’s first visit to confident adult smiles, we’ve been your neighborhood orthodontist since 2016.
My daughter has been with this office for the last two years and the staff have always been so kind and caring…
I couldn’t be happier with my experience here! The entire staff is so friendly, welcoming, and genuinely caring—they always make me feel comfortable at every visit…
Friendly staff, excellent orthodontic services, convenient location! We only have great things to say about this team and the experience they provided our teen, from braces through to retainers…
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic visit by age 7. Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment, but this is the age when we can spot patterns early. If your child does need Phase 1 care, treatment usually starts between ages 7 and 10, while they still have a mix of baby and adult teeth.
Most Phase 1 treatments last 6 to 12 months, depending on what your child needs. Some children only need a short, focused treatment with one appliance, while others may need a slightly longer phase. We’ll give you a clear timeline at your free first visit.
Sometimes, not always. Phase 1 treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth and making room for adult teeth, but a second phase of treatment (called Phase 2) may be needed later in your child’s teen years for final alignment. About half of Phase 1 patients go on to need Phase 2, and about half don’t.
No, Phase 1 treatment is generally very gentle. Your child may feel some mild soreness for a day or two after each adjustment, similar to feeling sore after a workout. Most kids adjust quickly, especially with our friendly, calm approach to every visit.
Cost depends on your child’s specific needs. We accept most insurance plans, offer in-house financing, welcome HSA and FSA, and provide a family discount when more than one family member is in treatment. Your first consultation is always free, and we’ll walk you through everything in plain language with no pressure.
Then we’ll tell you that, honestly. We don’t recommend treatment your child doesn’t need. If your child doesn’t need Phase 1 care, we may suggest a periodic “growth check” appointment every 6 to 12 months so we can keep an eye on their smile as it develops. No pressure, no rush.
We’d love to meet your family. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help, with friendly answers, honest guidance, and zero pressure.
Your first visit is always free.
