Phase 1, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of seven and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits.
Phase 2 treatment is also called definitive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and should establish the adult smile.
