Early Phase One Orthodontics in Newport Beach for Growing Smiles
We proudly provide phase one orthodontics for children in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Corona del Mar, Long Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Cyprus, Seal Beach, Orange, Anaheim, Santa Ana and surrounding Orange County communities.
Guiding Growth at the Right Time
Phase one orthodontics is an early orthodontic treatment that guides jaw growth while your child is still developing. Early treatment can correct bite problems, create space for permanent teeth, improve facial development, and reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later. Paul Sokolowski, DDS provides personalized phase one orthodontic care for children throughout Newport Beach and Orange County.
Ready for an evaluation? Call 949-706-7006 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sokolowski.
What Is Phase One Orthodontics?
Phase one orthodontics, also called early interceptive orthodontics, usually begins while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. The goal is to improve the foundation for future growth and orthodontic development, not simply to straighten every tooth.
Dr. Sokolowski evaluates jaw growth, bite development and tooth eruption patterns to determine whether early treatment may be beneficial for your child.
Signs Your Child May Need Phase One Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends every child receive an orthodontic evaluation around age 7, especially if parents or a dentist noticed signs of developing concerns.
Signs a child may need phase one treatment include:
Benefits of Phase One Orthodontics
When recommended at the right time, phase one orthodontics may help:
How Phase One Treatment Works
How Expansion Fits Into Phase One
Expansion is one of the most common tools used in phase one. If a child has a narrow upper jaw, crossbite or limited space, an expander may help widen the arch while growth is still active.
Collaborative Care
Paul Sokolowski, DDS provides orthodontic care focused on healthy development and long-term treatment planning, while Rita Daghlian, DDS's pediatric perspective helps families understand how oral habits connect with early orthodontic needs.
Phase One & Airway Development
Airway development is an important part of interceptive orthodontics. During early evaluations, we assess nasal breathing, oral habits and tongue position to identify factors that may affect healthy jaw growth, airway development and overall oral function.
Phase One Orthodontics FAQs
The goal is to guide growth, improve space, address developing bite concerns and create a better foundation for future orthodontic treatment.
No. Many children only need monitoring until they are ready for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Dr. Sokolowski will recommend phase one care only when early intervention may be beneficial.
Rita Daghlian, DDS may help evaluate pediatric dental development, oral habits, prevention needs and airway-related concerns. Paul Sokolowski, DDS uses the orthodontic findings to determine whether early treatment is needed.
Many children who complete phase one still need phase two treatment once more permanent teeth erupt. Phase one helps improve the foundation, while phase two focuses on final alignment and bite refinement.