Phase 1 Orthodontics: When Should Your Child Get an Early Consult in Champaign, IL?

Early smiles deserve early attention. At Baptist Orthodontics, we believe a confident, healthy smile starts with a strong foundation. That’s why understanding Phase 1 orthodontics, also called early interceptive treatment, is so important. 

While orthodontic care is often associated with teens, many children can benefit from seeing an orthodontist even earlier. Dr. Kimberly and our team are here to guide you through what that means and when it’s time to schedule your child’s complimentary first visit.

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Phase 1 orthodontics refers to treatment that takes place before all permanent teeth have come in, typically between ages 6 and 9. The goal is to proactively address growth and development issues to prevent more complex problems later on. Phase 1 treatment may involve:

• Creating space for developing teeth
• Guiding jaw growth for better bite alignment
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding teeth
• Correcting harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking
• Improving facial symmetry or airway development

At Baptist Orthodontics, we use the latest digital diagnostics, including in-house 3D scans and imaging, to assess your child’s mouth in detail and create a personalized treatment plan, often without the need for messy impressions. 

When Should My Child See the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if no issues are visible. This might seem early, but it gives us a chance to detect subtle problems with jaw alignment or tooth spacing before they become bigger challenges.

If you notice any of the following signs in your child, it's a good idea to schedule an early consultation with Dr. Kimberly:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing or frequent snoring
• Crowded or misaligned front teeth
• Crossbites, underbites, or overbites

At Baptist Orthodontics, our complimentary first consultation includes a full set of records, digital x-rays, 3D scans, and a tailored treatment plan, so you can make informed decisions with zero pressure and no financial barrier.

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters

Early orthodontic care helps us guide facial development, which can influence breathing, speech, and long-term dental health. By addressing oral development issues early, we reduce the need for extractions or jaw surgery down the road, and make the second phase of treatment smoother and often shorter. The benefits of phase orthodontics include:

• Custom-tailored treatment during key growth stages
• Less invasive solutions in the future
• Boosted self-esteem as your child’s smile improves
• Fewer surprises during teenage orthodontic treatment

We combine clinical precision with gentle care, because we know your child’s comfort is just as important as the outcome.

The Baptist Orthodontics Difference

As the area’s trusted, award-winning orthodontist recognized by the News-Gazette from 2022 to 2025, Baptist Orthodontics offers more than excellent care, we deliver peace of mind. Dr. Kimberly Baptist leads a forward-thinking team with a passion for modern, family-friendly orthodontics. 

With bilingual staff, flexible financing, sibling discounts, and a tech-savvy approach that includes in-house 3D printing, we make early orthodontic care as convenient and stress-free as possible for today’s families. Our Champaign, IL office is known for providing a warm, welcoming environment where children feel seen, understood, and empowered during their smile journey.

Schedule Your Child’s Free Phase 1 Consultation in Champaign, IL

Your child’s best smile starts with early action, and a team you can trust. If you're wondering whether it’s the right time for an orthodontic consult, reach out to Baptist Orthodontics at (217) 359-1911. Our caring, experienced team is here to provide expert guidance in a comfortable, upbeat setting. Book a complimentary consultation today and give your child a confident start to a lifetime of healthy smiles.