Early orthodontics in Sunnyvale, CA
Find out whether your child needs treatment now or simply needs time to grow
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase I orthodontics or early interceptive treatment, is orthodontic care provided while a child is still growing and still has some baby teeth.
Phase I treatment is used when addressing a specific bite, spacing, or jaw-development concern during childhood may help guide growth, improve function, create room for developing teeth, or reduce the complexity of treatment later.
Many children do not need Phase I treatment at all. At Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics, Dr. Wainwright recommends early treatment only when there is a clear reason to intervene during growth.
Learn more about our orthodontic services.
Why should my child see an orthodontist by age 7?
By around age 7, most children have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth.
This gives an orthodontist an opportunity to evaluate how the teeth and jaws are developing before all of the permanent teeth come in.
- Crossbites
- Significant crowding
- Jaw growth differences
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Permanent teeth developing in unusual positions
- Habits that are affecting the bite
- Problems with how the upper and lower teeth fit together
An evaluation at age 7 does not mean your child needs braces at age 7.
For many children, the best recommendation is simply to monitor growth and development until treatment would be more useful.
When does Phase I orthodontic treatment help?
Examples may include:
- Crossbites that affect how the jaws come together
- Significant crowding or limited space for developing teeth
- Jaw growth discrepancies
- Thumb-sucking or other habits that are affecting tooth or jaw development
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth that affects spacing
- Certain developing bite problems
When is waiting better?
If your child is not ready for orthodontic treatment, Dr. Wainwright may recommend observation instead.
Your child can return for periodic growth checks so Dr. Wainwright can monitor changes and recommend treatment when the timing is appropriate.
Monitoring is still an orthodontic plan. It simply means active treatment is not necessary yet.
What can Phase I orthodontic treatment include?
The type of treatment depends on your child’s diagnosis, growth, and bite.
Palatal expanders
The appliance gradually widens the upper arch while your child is still growing.
Partial braces
Growth-guidance appliances
Observation and monitoring
Sometimes the most appropriate Phase I plan involves no appliance at all.
Dr. Wainwright can monitor your child’s developing teeth and jaws and recommend active treatment only when it becomes beneficial.
How we evaluate your child’s growth and bite
At Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics, Dr. Wainwright considers more than whether the teeth look straight.
- Tooth development
- Bite relationships
- Jaw growth
- Available space for permanent teeth
- Facial balance
- Oral habits
- Long-term orthodontic needs
What to expect at your child’s first orthodontic visit
Does anything need to be done now?
Step 1
Comprehensive evaluation
Digital records or imaging may also be taken when needed to understand how the teeth and jaws are developing.
Step 2
A clear explanation
Dr. Wainwright reviews what she sees with you in straightforward language.
You will learn whether your child:
- Needs early treatment
- Should be monitored as they grow
- Is developing normally and does not need another visit for some time
Step 3
Treatment or observation
If Phase I treatment is recommended, Dr. Wainwright will explain what the treatment is designed to accomplish, what appliance may be used, and what to expect.
If treatment is not needed, your child may enter an observation period with periodic checkups.
There is no obligation to begin orthodontic treatment simply because you scheduled an evaluation.
What happens after Phase I treatment?
After Phase I treatment, your child usually enters a period of growth and observation.
Dr. Wainwright monitors how the remaining permanent teeth come in and how the bite continues to develop.
Some children later benefit from a second phase of orthodontic treatment, which may include braces or another orthodontic option once more permanent teeth have erupted.
Phase I treatment does not automatically mean your child will avoid braces later.
Its purpose is to address a specific problem at the appropriate stage of growth and support a healthier, more manageable orthodontic path.
Does Phase I treatment prevent braces later?
Not always.
Some early orthodontic problems can be addressed during Phase I, but many children who receive early treatment still need additional orthodontic care once their permanent teeth have developed.
When Phase I treatment is recommended, Dr. Wainwright will explain what it is expected to accomplish and whether later treatment is likely.
The goal is not to promise fewer braces. The goal is to treat the right problem at the right time.
Why Sunnyvale parents choose Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics
Conservative, diagnosis-led recommendations
Not every child who comes in for an early evaluation starts treatment.
Dr. Wainwright evaluates growth, function, bite development, and long-term needs before recommending Phase I care.
If monitoring is the better option, that is the recommendation you will receive.
Care led by a board-certified orthodontist
Dr. Gabrielle Wainwright is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
She personally evaluates and oversees Phase I treatment plans.
Learn more about Dr. Gabrielle Wainwright.
One orthodontist throughout your child’s care
Your child’s orthodontic care is personally led by Dr. Wainwright rather than passed between different providers.
This creates continuity from the first growth evaluation through active treatment and future monitoring.
Orthodontics is our specialty
Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics focuses exclusively on orthodontic care.
That includes early orthodontic evaluations, Phase I treatment, braces, Invisalign, retention, and more complex orthodontic care.
Explore our orthodontic services in Sunnyvale.
More than 60 years of care in Sunnyvale
Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics has cared for Sunnyvale families for more than 60 years.
Today, Dr. Wainwright continues that tradition with individualized orthodontic care focused on thoughtful diagnosis and long-term stability.
Frequently asked questions about early orthodontics in Sunnyvale
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At this age, an orthodontist can evaluate a combination of baby and permanent teeth and look for developing bite, spacing, and jaw-growth concerns.
If you notice a problem before age 7, you do not have to wait to schedule an evaluation.
Does an evaluation at age 7 mean my child will get braces?
No.
An early orthodontic evaluation is designed to determine whether treatment is needed, not to automatically start it.
Many children are simply monitored as their teeth and jaws continue to develop.
Does every child need Phase I orthodontic treatment?
No. Phase I orthodontics is recommended for specific problems that may benefit from being addressed while a child is still growing. If early treatment is unlikely to provide a meaningful benefit, Dr. Wainwright may recommend waiting instead.
What problems can early orthodontics treat?
Early orthodontic treatment may be used for concerns such as certain crossbites, significant crowding, developing jaw discrepancies, spacing problems, or oral habits that are affecting tooth and jaw development.
Whether treatment is appropriate depends on your child’s individual diagnosis.
What appliances are used during Phase I treatment?
Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may include a palatal expander, partial braces, a growth-guidance appliance, or another orthodontic device.
Some children need only observation and periodic growth checks.
How long does Phase I treatment take?
Treatment length depends on the problem being treated and the appliance used.
Dr. Wainwright will give you a personalized timeline if early treatment is recommended.
Will Phase I treatment prevent braces later?
Not necessarily.
Some children still need a second phase of orthodontic treatment after more permanent teeth arrive.
Phase I treatment is intended to address a specific problem during growth, not guarantee that future braces will be unnecessary.
What happens if Dr. Wainwright recommends waiting?
Your child may be placed on an observation schedule.
Dr. Wainwright can periodically recheck tooth eruption, jaw growth, spacing, and bite development so treatment can begin when it becomes appropriate.
How much does early orthodontic treatment cost in Sunnyvale?
The cost depends on the type and complexity of treatment your child needs.
Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics will provide a clear fee estimate before treatment begins.
The practice is not in-network with dental insurance plans, but the team can file claims on your behalf to help you use available orthodontic benefits.
Learn more about insurance and financial planning.
Is the first orthodontic consultation complimentary?
Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics offers complimentary orthodontic consultations.
Your child can be evaluated so you understand whether treatment, monitoring, or simply more time is recommended.
Visit us
Serving Sunnyvale and surrounding communities with board-certified orthodontic care.
- 1301 Sunnyvale Saratoga Road, Suite 2
Sunnyvale, CA 94087 - (408) 739-4224
- Monday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday–Sunday – Closed
