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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit by age 7. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Brandon Zipper offers gentle, kid-friendly Phase 1 treatment to guide your child's growth early.
Early orthodontic treatment — also called interceptive orthodontics (or Phase 1) — is care for children ages 7 to 11 that fixes jaw growth problems, crossbites, and crowding before they get worse. Treatment uses appliances like palatal expanders and partial braces, typically lasts 6 to 12 months, and costs $2,500 to $5,000 at Zipper Orthodontics in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach.
Interceptive orthodontics (also called Phase 1 or early treatment) is care designed for children whose jaws are still growing. It addresses specific problems early, so they do not become bigger and harder to fix later.
Instead of waiting until all permanent teeth come in, Dr. Zipper uses appliances like a palatal expander (a device that widens the upper jaw), partial braces, or space maintainers to guide growth in the right direction. Treatment typically lasts 6 to 12 months — much shorter than full braces.
Most children who come to our Boca Raton and Boynton Beach offices for a check-up at age 7 do not need immediate treatment. Our evaluation includes a digital scan with the iTero Element™ 3D intraoral scanner and, when clinically indicated, CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) imaging to assess jaw growth and developing teeth below the gumline. Many children are placed on a free monitoring program so Dr. Zipper can track their development and step in at exactly the right time — if needed at all.
Looking for options for older kids? Explore teen orthodontics, braces, or clear aligners.
Starting treatment while the jaw is still growing gives Dr. Zipper tools that are not available later. Here are six key benefits families across South Florida count on.
Helps the upper and lower jaws develop in harmony so they fit together properly.
Creates space for permanent teeth to come in straight, reducing future crowding.
Phase 1 often makes Phase 2 shorter, simpler, and less expensive — or avoids it entirely.
Dr. Zipper uses biocompatible materials and a gentle approach in a fun environment kids enjoy.
Reduces the chance of injury to protruding front teeth during sports and play.
Stops thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing from reshaping the palate.
Not sure if your child needs Phase 1 now or full treatment later? This table breaks down the key differences.
| Category | Early Treatment (Phase 1) | Comprehensive Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | Ages 7–11 | Ages 12+ |
| Duration | 6–12 months | 12–24 months |
| Cost | $2,500–$5,000 | $3,500–$7,500 |
| What It Fixes | Jaw growth, crossbites, crowding, habits | Full alignment, bite correction |
| Appliances Used | Expanders, partial braces, space maintainers | Full braces, clear aligners |
Early treatment works best for problems that are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. If your child has any of the issues below, it may be time for a free evaluation.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit by age 7. At that age, enough permanent teeth have come in for a board-certified orthodontist to spot problems with jaw growth, spacing, and bite alignment — even if everything looks fine.
Dr. Brandon Zipper, an AAO member, offers free evaluations at our Boca Raton and Boynton Beach offices. Most children evaluated at age 7 do not need immediate treatment. Many join our complimentary monitoring program so Dr. Zipper can track their development and step in at the right time.
However, some issues should not wait. Crossbites causing the jaw to grow unevenly, severe crowding blocking permanent teeth, and mouth breathing from narrow airways all benefit from early action. Catching these problems now can save your child from longer, more complex treatment later.
That is perfectly normal. Most parents cannot tell just by looking. That is exactly why the first visit exists — so Dr. Zipper can take a close look and give you an honest, pressure-free answer. Schedule a free consultation →
Early orthodontic treatment at Zipper Orthodontics typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on the type of appliance and the complexity of your child's case.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of Phase 1 treatment. Coverage typically ranges from $750 to $3,000. We verify your benefits at your free consultation and handle all the paperwork so you get maximum coverage with no hassle.
We also offer flexible, interest-free payment plans so every family in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and across Palm Beach County can access the care their child needs. Learn more about cost & payment options →
Early orthodontic treatment — also called interceptive orthodontics or Phase 1 — is care for children ages 7 to 11 that fixes jaw growth problems, crossbites, and crowding before they get worse. It uses appliances like palatal expanders (a device that widens the upper jaw) and partial braces. Treatment usually lasts 6 to 12 months.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit by age 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for a board-certified orthodontist to spot problems with jaw growth, spacing, and bite alignment — even if your child's smile looks fine. At Zipper Orthodontics, this first visit is always free.
Early treatment can fix crossbites, narrow palates, crowding, protruding front teeth, underbites, thumb-sucking damage, and mouth breathing caused by airway issues. Catching these problems while the jaw is still growing makes treatment simpler and less invasive than waiting until all permanent teeth are in.
Phase 1 treatment at Zipper Orthodontics typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000 depending on the type of appliance and complexity. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion, and we offer flexible, interest-free payment plans. See full cost details →
Some children only need Phase 1 treatment. Others may benefit from a shorter Phase 2 (full braces or clear aligners) once all permanent teeth come in — usually around age 12 to 13. The good news is that Phase 1 often makes Phase 2 shorter, easier, and less expensive.
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that apply to Phase 1 treatment. Coverage typically ranges from $750 to $3,000. At your free consultation, we verify your benefits and handle all the paperwork so you get maximum coverage with zero hassle.
A palatal expander is a device that widens the upper jaw by gently applying pressure to the growth plate in the roof of the mouth. It creates room for permanent teeth to come in straight and can correct crossbites. The process is gentle and takes about 2 to 4 weeks of active expansion, followed by several months of stabilization. It is one of the most common appliances Dr. Zipper uses in Phase 1 treatment.
Dr. Brandon Zipper is a board-certified orthodontist and AAO member who earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, his dental degree from Nova Southeastern University, and completed his orthodontic residency at Temple University. As a father himself, he understands the concerns parents have about their children's health. When he recommends early treatment, it is because he would make the same recommendation for his own kids. Every evaluation at our Boca Raton and Boynton Beach offices is honest, thorough, and pressure-free.
Dr. Brandon Zipper, DMD, MS is a board-certified orthodontist and member of the American Association of Orthodontists. He earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, and completed his orthodontic residency and Master of Science in Oral Biology at Temple University.
Our practice uses advanced diagnostic technology including iTero Element™ 3D intraoral scanners and CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) imaging for precision treatment planning. All materials are BPA-free and biocompatible, with nickel-free wire options available for sensitive patients.
Book a free, no-pressure evaluation at our Boca Raton or Boynton Beach office. Dr. Zipper will take a close look and give you an honest answer about whether your child needs early treatment.
Book Your Child's Free Evaluation →