Phase I Early Interceptive Orthodontics In Los Angeles, CA
For some children, starting orthodontic care early can help them grow into a straight, healthy smile. The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends an orthodontic screening at the age of 6. This ensures we are minimizing or even eliminating their need for complex orthodontic treatments in the future.

- Mon
- 9 AM - 5 PM
- Tue
- 9 AM - 5 PM
- Wed
- 9 AM - 5 PM
- Thu
- 9 AM - 5 PM
- Fri
- 9 AM - 5 PM
Does my Child Need Early Interceptive Orthodontics?
Not every child needs Phase 1 Treatment. However, If they do require early interceptive orthodontics, it's essential to save you and your child time, money, and discomfort that would otherwise be spent on complicated orthodontic issues if left untreated. Early intervention can be used to guide jaw growth, create space for permanent teeth, correct/prevent harmful habits, and simplify future treatment. For your peace of mind, we recommend bringing your little one at age 6 to see if they require it. We're here to get your child on the path to a confident, healthy smile.

Did you know…
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that kids get their first orthodontic consultation no later than the age of 7 years old.
Correct Orthodontic Issues with Expanders
At Orchid Orthodontics, we use expanders, a versatile and flexible treatment with many benefits. They allow us to correct crossbites, creating space for crowded teeth and promote healthy breathing for airway and sleep issues. More than that, they often reduce the need for extractions of permanent teeth so your little one can smile confidently.


Complimentary Consultations
We believe that everyone deserves a chance at a healthy smile, and that’s why we offer free consultations. Get peace of mind that your child's oral development is on track.
Oral Exam
Personalized Advice
No Pressure
iTero Intraoral Scanner
With our iTero intraoral scanner, we’re able to create accurate 3D models of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw structure, all without the need for messy impressions. These images allow us to create the most efficient treatment plans, and show you and your child how their teeth will look in real time, empowering you both to feel confident in asking questions and fostering healthy dialogue with your orthodontist.

Board-Certified Orthodontist
Did you know that board-certification isn't required to treat orthodontic issues? In fact, only 40% of orthodontists are board-certified. Dr. Naziri went through this voluntary step, requiring hours of additional exams and training to provide the highest caliber of care in orthodontia. When you bring your child to a board-certified orthodontist, you’re getting the peace of mind knowing that your little one’s smile is in the hands of an experienced professional who is dedicated to keeping up with the latest advancements in orthodontics and patient care.

The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
Develop A Healthy Bite
Phase 1 orthodontics is particularly important in patients who may have serious jaw problems or a narrow palate. These issues can interfere with the development of a healthy bite. In the future, this could lead to problems when the permanent teeth erupt, speech impediments, premature tooth wear, and lots of other problems. With early interceptive orthodontics, these complex issues can be reduced or eliminated.
Reduce Tooth Misalignment
Early interceptive orthodontics helps the adult teeth erupt in the proper places, and can reduce or even eliminate the misalignment of adult teeth. This improves your child’s smile and oral health. In some cases, they may not even need braces (phase 2 orthodontics) to straighten their teeth.
Treat Other Dental/Health Complications
A bad bite and misaligned teeth can contribute to or cause lots of other problems like disordered breathing, a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay, speech issues, and much more. Proper care from an expert orthodontist will prevent all of these problems and more.
The Early Interceptive Orthodontics Treatment Process
Initial Consultation
Initial Consultation
First, your child will need to have an appointment with an experienced orthodontist. Your child’s orthodontist will take detailed x-rays, perform a comprehensive exam, and assess their overall oral health to determine if your child needs phase I orthodontics.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Personalized Treatment Plan
If Phase I Treatment is necessary for your child, we will develop a customized treatment plan. This could include expanders, habit appliances, or a variety of other treatments. Every child is different, so Dr. Naziri will discuss her plan with you and schedule all of the necessary follow-ups.
Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups
Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups
Phase I Orthodontics typically takes about 12 months, though some patients may have shorter or longer treatment times. During this time, your child will come back to our office for frequent visits with their orthodontist. Dr. Naziri will check on their oral health, examine their progress, and make sure everything’s on track. This same process will continue until your child’s treatment is complete.

FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
If your child is showcasing one or more of the following signs & symptoms, they may be a good candidate for early interceptive orthodontic treatment:
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Crowded teeth
- Excessively gapped teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking
Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.
Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could worsen over time and cause severe dental issues in adulthood if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to recognize and eliminate these problems as early as possible, so a child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.
The cost of early interceptive orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s early interceptive orthodontics is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
