When you hear "Save a Tooth Month," your first thought might be of dental emergencies — cracked molars, knocked-out teeth, deep cavities or root canals. But what if we told you that orthodontics, especially early intervention via Early Orthodontic Treatment (also called Phase I Treatment), can also play a major role in saving teeth — before a crisis ever happens?

At Orchard of Smiles Orthodontics, we are celebrating Save a Tooth Month by highlighting how smart timing and proactive orthodontic care can prevent bigger dental problems down the road — including tooth loss, damage, or costly restorations.

What Is Phase I Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase I treatment typically begins between ages 7 and 10, while a child still has a mix of baby and adult (permanent) teeth. The goal is not just to straighten teeth — it’s to guide jaw development, create space, address any detrimental habits and protect the long-term health of the smile.

Think of it like laying a strong foundation before building a house. With early treatment, we can fix structural issues before they become major problems.

5 Ways Early Ortho Can Save Teeth (Literally)

1. Creating Room for Incoming Adult Teeth

   Crowding is one of the most common reasons adult teeth become impacted (trapped under the gums), grow in crooked, or even push out neighboring teeth.

   By expanding the jaw or guiding growth, we make space — so adult teeth erupt unimpeded into their proper positions, instead of being potentially extracted later.

2. Preventing Excessive Wear and Tear

   A crossbite, underbite, or deep bite may seem minor at age 8, but over time, they can lead to uneven pressure, chipped enamel, or even tooth fractures.

   Phase I treatment can treat these bite issues early, so teeth function the way they are meant to — avoiding damage with time.

3. Reducing the Risk of Tooth Trauma

   Protruding front teeth (overjets) are more likely to be injured during sports, falls, or playground mishaps.

   By guiding the jaw and teeth into safer alignment, we protect those vulnerable front teeth from being knocked out or broken.

4. Protecting Baby Teeth That Are Key to Adult Tooth Placement

   Baby teeth are not just placeholders for adult teeth — they are GPS signals for where permanent teeth should erupt.

   If baby teeth fall out too early due to misalignment or crowding, we may lose valuable guidance for adult teeth. Early orthodontics preserves that map.

5. Avoiding Future Extractions

   Sometimes, without early treatment, there's simply no room — and that can mean removing healthy adult teeth in Phase II to “make it work.”

   But with Phase I, we often avoid that scenario entirely by optimizing jaw space before it’s too late.

Bonus Benefit: Smarter, Simpler Phase II

By addressing bite issues and jaw development early, Phase I often shortens or simplifies future treatment (Phase II Treatment) in the teen years. That means:

• Fewer extractions
• Shorter time in braces
• More flexibility with desired treatment modalities
• Better results, faster

It is not just about saving teeth — it is about saving time, comfort, and long-term confidence!

Is It Time for a Phase I Evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. That does not mean braces at 7 or that your child is in need of Phase I treatment. It just means we get to be proactive instead of reactive - and early screening is key.

This May, in honor of Save a Tooth Month, we invite you to schedule a complimentary early evaluation and consultation at our office. Because saving a tooth sometimes means starting early — and we believe every smile is worth protecting!