Serving Winter Springs, FL & Seminole County
Winter Springs parents are proactive about their children’s health—and early orthodontic evaluation is one of the smartest investments you can make. At Weeks Orthodontics, Dr. Travis A. Weeks provides comprehensive Phase 1 orthodontic treatment for children in the Winter Springs community, addressing jaw growth and bite development issues during the optimal window before they become more complex. Most evaluations result in a simple “let’s monitor and wait,” but for the children who do need early intervention, the benefits are significant.
Live in or near Oviedo? Check out our Early Treatment in Oviedo.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment—also known as interceptive orthodontics—is a targeted approach that addresses specific developmental problems in children ages 7–10, while they still have a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth. Unlike comprehensive braces treatment (which typically starts around ages 11–14), Phase 1 focuses on correcting skeletal and dental issues that are best treated during active growth.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive their first orthodontic screening by age 7. At this stage, a trained orthodontist like Dr. Weeks can identify issues that may not be obvious to parents or pediatric dentists—including jaw growth discrepancies, developing crossbites, and crowding that will affect permanent tooth eruption.
It’s important to understand that Phase 1 is not recommended for every child. In fact, the majority of 7-year-olds we evaluate at Weeks Orthodontics do not need early treatment. When it is recommended, it’s because there’s a genuine clinical advantage to intervening now rather than waiting.
When to Bring Your Winter Springs Child for an Evaluation
Winter Springs families should consider scheduling an orthodontic evaluation if they notice:
- Difficulty biting or chewing food
- Mouth breathing (sleeping with mouth open, chronic mouth breathing during the day)
- Thumb or finger sucking continuing beyond age 5–6
- Front teeth that stick out significantly (increasing injury risk during play at Central Winds Park, the Cross Seminole Trail, and school activities)
- Crowded or overlapping teeth as permanent teeth emerge
- Upper and lower teeth not meeting properly
- Jaw clicking, popping, or shifting to one side
- Speech issues (lisping or difficulty with certain sounds)
- Early loss of baby teeth (before age 5) or delayed loss (baby teeth remaining past age 13)
Even without these signs, bringing your child for a screening by age 7 is wise preventive care. There’s no cost for the evaluation, and most families leave with peace of mind that their child’s development is on track.
Problems Phase 1 Treatment Can Solve
Dr. Weeks uses Phase 1 treatment to address problems that respond best to early intervention:
Posterior Crossbite: A narrow upper jaw causes the upper back teeth to bite inside the lower teeth. This leads to asymmetric jaw growth if untreated. A palatal expander—commonly used in Phase 1—widens the upper jaw while the growth plates are still open and flexible. In adulthood, the same correction may require surgery.
Anterior Crossbite (Developing Underbite): Lower front teeth positioned ahead of upper front teeth. Growth modification appliances can redirect jaw development during childhood, potentially eliminating the need for surgical correction later.
Severe Crowding with Eruption Problems: When the jaw is too small for permanent teeth, some teeth may become impacted or erupt in abnormal positions. Early expansion creates space for teeth to emerge naturally, reducing the likelihood of extractions during comprehensive treatment.
Excessive Overjet (Protruding Front Teeth): Children with prominent upper front teeth face a significantly higher risk of dental trauma—a concern for active Winter Springs kids involved in sports, biking on the Cross Seminole Trail, and playground activities. Phase 1 can reduce protrusion and protect vulnerable teeth during this active period.
Oral Habits: Persistent thumb-sucking, tongue-thrust swallowing, and mouth breathing can reshape the jaw and dental arch during growth. Habit-breaking appliances used in Phase 1 help redirect development before these habits cause permanent skeletal changes. The American Dental Association emphasizes the importance of addressing harmful oral habits early.
How Phase 1 Treatment Works
Free Evaluation: Your child’s journey begins with a complimentary consultation at Weeks Orthodontics. Dr. Weeks performs a comprehensive evaluation using digital X-rays and clinical examination. He’ll explain his findings clearly—many Winter Springs parents tell us they appreciate the straightforward, no-pressure approach.
Treatment Phase (9–18 Months): If Phase 1 is recommended, Dr. Weeks designs a targeted treatment plan using one or more appliances: palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw, partial braces on specific teeth, space maintainers to preserve room for erupting teeth, or habit-breaking devices. Appointments are typically every 4–8 weeks.
Observation Period: After active Phase 1 treatment, we monitor your child’s development as remaining baby teeth exfoliate and permanent teeth erupt. This resting phase may include retainer wear or space maintenance. We see your child periodically at no additional charge during this time.
Re-Evaluation for Phase 2: Once all permanent teeth are in (usually ages 11–14), Dr. Weeks assesses whether Phase 2 comprehensive treatment with braces or Invisalign® is needed. Thanks to Phase 1, Phase 2 treatment is often significantly shorter and less complex.
The Value of Early Treatment for Winter Springs Families
Winter Springs has been recognized as one of America’s best places to live, and its families reflect that distinction through their commitment to quality education and healthcare. Early orthodontic treatment fits perfectly within this mindset—it’s preventive, evidence-based, and focused on long-term outcomes:
- Harness natural growth: Phase 1 works with your child’s developing body rather than against it, using growth to correct skeletal problems.
- Prevent complications: Address crossbites, impacted teeth, and crowding before they worsen and require more invasive treatment.
- Protect against injury: Reduce protruding teeth that are vulnerable to trauma during sports and activities.
- Build confidence: Correct visible dental problems during a formative social period when self-image is developing.
- Potentially reduce total treatment cost: By simplifying or shortening Phase 2, early treatment can reduce the overall investment in orthodontic care.
- Avoid surgery: Some jaw discrepancies that would require surgical intervention in adulthood can be corrected non-surgically during childhood.
Cost of Early Treatment
Phase 1 treatment at Weeks Orthodontics typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the type and complexity of the intervention. We make early treatment accessible for Winter Springs families through:
- Complimentary initial evaluations for all children
- Interest-free monthly payment plans
- Most dental insurance plans accepted (orthodontic benefits often cover Phase 1)
- FSA and HSA eligible
- Family and sibling discounts
- Comprehensive Phase 1 + Phase 2 pricing when both are needed
Our financial team works with each family to create a comfortable payment arrangement. We believe every child in Winter Springs deserves access to proper orthodontic care during their critical developmental years.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Evaluation in Winter Springs
Early evaluation is one of the best things you can do for your child’s dental future. Weeks Orthodontics serves Winter Springs families and the surrounding communities, including Oviedo, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, and Alafaya. Whether you live along Tuskawilla Road, in the Tuscawilla neighborhood, or near Central Winds Park, our office is conveniently located to serve your family.
Book your child’s free evaluation today. Learn more about our team and explore our full range of services including braces, Invisalign®, ceramic braces, and retainers.