Early orthodontic treatment helps guide developing smiles by evaluating jaw growth, tooth eruption, spacing, and bite concerns. At Midtown Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Kim provides Phase 1 orthodontic evaluations to determine the right timing for intervention, monitoring, and growth-focused orthodontic care.
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase 1 orthodontics, focuses on addressing orthodontic concerns during childhood development before all permanent teeth have erupted. This stage often occurs when children have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth.
The purpose of Phase 1 treatment is not simply to straighten teeth. It focuses on developmental concerns such as jaw relationships, eruption patterns, available space, and bite issues that may benefit from attention while a child is still growing.
Dr. Daniel Kim is a board-certified orthodontist and diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics with advanced specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
We look beyond tooth alignment by evaluating how your child’s jaws, teeth, and bite are developing together over time.
Some children benefit from early intervention, while others may only need regular monitoring. We help determine the most appropriate time for orthodontic care.
Our team considers your child’s stage of growth, dental development, and specific orthodontic concerns before recommending any Phase 1 treatment.
Some orthodontic concerns are easier to identify while children are still developing. An early evaluation helps determine whether a concern requires treatment now or continued observation.
A crossbite, underbite, or uneven bite relationship may affect how the jaws and teeth develop together and may require evaluation during growth.
When there is not enough room for permanent teeth to erupt properly, early assessment can help determine whether space management may be needed.
Teeth that appear late, erupt in unusual positions, or do not follow expected patterns may require closer orthodontic monitoring.
Phase 1 orthodontics focuses on guiding development rather than only correcting tooth position. Treatment recommendations depend on the specific concern identified during your child’s evaluation.
Certain orthodontic concerns may benefit from attention during growth when jaw relationships are still developing.
Early orthodontic care can help address situations where permanent teeth may have limited room to emerge properly.
Phase 1 treatment provides important information about your child’s development and helps determine what orthodontic care may be needed as they grow.
Dr. Daniel Kim is a board-certified orthodontist and diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics specializing in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He earned his dental degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine after completing his undergraduate studies at Columbia College, Columbia University, where he graduated with honors in Neuroscience and Behavior.
Dr. Kim completed his orthodontic residency training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at Columbia University. He also served with the Center for Skeletal Dysplasias at Hospital for Special Surgery and received recognition for clinical excellence. His approach focuses on understanding each child’s growth patterns and creating treatment recommendations based on individual orthodontic needs.
Phase 1 orthodontics can be helpful when specific developmental concerns are identified during childhood. The benefits depend on the type of orthodontic issue and the timing of treatment.
Early evaluation allows orthodontic concerns involving growth, eruption, and bite development to be identified before they progress.
Managing certain space or alignment concerns may help permanent teeth emerge in a more favorable position.
Early orthodontic evaluations give families a clearer understanding of their child’s orthodontic development and future treatment needs.
A Phase 1 orthodontic visit focuses on understanding your child’s current development and identifying whether intervention or observation is recommended.
1
The teeth, jaws, and bite relationship are evaluated to identify concerns involving alignment, spacing, or jaw development.
Dr. Kim reviews your child’s dental history, tooth eruption patterns, and developmental stage to understand their current orthodontic needs.
2
We evaluate your bite and supporting oral health while considering factors such as existing dental work and areas that may require attention before treatment.
3
When needed, additional diagnostic records may be used to better understand tooth position and developing orthodontic concerns.
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If treatment is recommended, we outline the expected process, estimated timeline, appliance care, and practical considerations for maintaining your routine during treatment.
Our team takes time to explain treatment options and help you understand what to expect from your orthodontic journey, from the initial evaluation through active treatment and retention.
Have questions about orthodontic treatment as an adult? These answers cover common concerns about braces, clear aligners, treatment timing, existing dental work, and maintaining your smile after treatment.
Many children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation during early mixed dentition, especially if concerns involving tooth eruption, bite, or jaw development are noticed.
No. Some children require early treatment, while others only need periodic monitoring until more dental development occurs.
Phase 1 treatment may help address concerns such as crossbites, underbites, spacing problems, severe crowding, eruption concerns, and certain jaw development differences.
It depends on your child’s development and the type of concern being treated. Some children may need additional care later, while others may only require monitoring.
Some orthodontic concerns are best evaluated during growth. An early assessment helps determine whether waiting, monitoring, or treatment is the most appropriate approach.
Midtown Pediatric Dentistry is located at 347 5th Avenue, Suite 1210, New York, NY 10016, making it convenient for families seeking early orthodontic evaluations in Midtown Manhattan.
We welcome children from nearby Manhattan communities, including the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, NoMad, Chelsea, and Gramercy. Our team provides growth-focused orthodontic evaluations to help families understand their child’s development and available treatment options.
