Invisalign First at Age 7—Phase 1 Made Easier in Sugar Land
Age seven is the perfect time for a first orthodontic check. At Beam Orthodontics, Phase 1 is built around Invisalign® First—a clear, kid-friendly approach that typically takes 12–18 months. When a child needs expansion, we use the Invisalign™ Expander instead of metal expanders, keeping treatment simpler and more comfortable.
Why age 7 matters
At this stage, kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which lets us:
Create space before crowding gets complicated
Guide growth to address crossbite or narrow arches
Reduce overjet to lower injury risk
Spot habits/airway issues (thumb habits, mouth breathing) early
Sometimes the best plan is monitoring. When a nudge helps, Invisalign First—with the option of the Invisalign Expander—lets us reach Phase 1 goals without braces.
What we can accomplish (without metal appliances)
Traditional Phase I often mixes expanders and partial braces. Our approach uses clear, kid-designed solutions to:
Develop arches & width (address narrow palates and certain crossbites)
Make room for incoming teeth so they erupt more predictably
Improve early bite relationships (overjet/overbite)
Keep hygiene easy & school days smooth (fewer emergencies, quick check-ins)
Families visit us from Commonwealth, Telfair, First Colony, Riverstone, New Territory, Greatwood, and Sugar Creek for a simpler Phase 1 experience.
Do we ever use an expander?
Yes—when expansion is indicated, we use the Invisalign™ Expander, which pairs naturally with Invisalign First. Parents appreciate that it avoids the bulk and hassle of traditional metal expanders while supporting the same treatment goals.
(We’ll explain whether expansion is helpful for your child after a full evaluation.)
What the first visit looks like
Digital iTero® scan (no goop)
Growth & bite assessment
X-rays if needed
A clear plan: monitor or start Phase 1 with Invisalign First (and expander only if indicated)
Timeline & check-ins
Typical duration: 12–18 months
Visits: Short, efficient appointments—after-school slots available
Comfort: Kid-friendly, sports-friendly, and photo-day-friendly
Insurance & payments (quick)
Many plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit you can apply to Phase 1. We verify benefits for you and offer flexible payments so everything’s clear upfront.
Ready when you are
Whether your pediatric dentist referred you or you’re being proactive, our board-certified team makes early orthodontics simple and comfortable—with Invisalign First and the Invisalign Expander when helpful.
Book your consultation today.
FAQ
Do you use braces or metal expanders in Phase 1?
Our Phase 1 care is built around Invisalign First. When expansion is needed, we use the Invisalign™ Expander—not a traditional metal expander.
How long does Phase 1 take?
Most kids finish Phase 1 in 12–18 months, depending on goals like space creation and arch development.
Will my child still need treatment later?
Phase 1 guides growth and creates space during mixed dentition. Many kids have a shorter, simpler Phase 2 in their teen years because Phase 1 set the foundation.