Phase I Functional Therapy in Riverside, CA

Orthodontic Phase I functional appliance therapy is an early interceptive treatment typically started between ages 6 and 10, during a child’s mixed dentition stage. The goal is to guide jaw growth, correct skeletal imbalances, and create favorable conditions for permanent teeth to erupt properly. Functional appliances—such as the Headgear, Carriere Device, palatal expander or tongue habit appliances—are commonly used to influence the position and function of the jaws, especially in cases like Class II or Class III malocclusion where the lower jaw or upper jaw is underdeveloped. This phase helps reduce the severity of future orthodontic problems and may shorten or simplify later comprehensive treatment (Phase II). It can also improve facial balance, breathing, and oral habits like thumb-sucking. By addressing skeletal and growth-related issues early, Phase I therapy may prevent the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery later. However, this early intervention often needs to be followed by Phase II treatment in adolescence to align the teeth fully once all permanent teeth have erupted.