Help your child build a lasting foundation for a healthy smile through specialized early orthodontic treatment.
Early orthodontic care is about more than aesthetics. It’s about giving your child’s developing smile the structural support it needs during the years when growth matters most. Phase 1 treatment allows board-certified specialists to guide jaw development, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and address bite concerns before they become more complex problems.
At Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics, our Columbus patients receive care grounded in functional balance, facial development, and long-term oral health. Early intervention during growth can often reduce the complexity of future treatment while supporting the natural development your child deserves.
Early orthodontic care lays the foundation for a healthier smile and a simpler path to future treatment.
Phase 1 treatment works with your child’s natural growth patterns, rather than against them. By addressing jaw development while the face is still forming, specialists can help reduce crowding, support more balanced facial proportions, and create the right environment for permanent teeth to come in properly.
Addressing developing concerns during early growth can meaningfully change what is required later. Phase 1 intervention creates a more efficient foundation for any following treatment, often reducing overall treatment time and the level of correction needed in Phase 2.
Early care also supports how the teeth, jaws, and bite work together as your child grows. Improving chewing function, bite alignment, and oral balance during critical developmental stages can have lasting effects on your child’s overall health and comfort.
Orthodontic care for a growing child is one of the most important health decisions a family can make. Columbus families trust Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics because every treatment plan is built on specialist training, advanced technology, and a genuine commitment to each patient’s long-term outcomes.
Your child's care is led by Dr. Timothy Wigal, D.D.S., M.S., and Dr. Alex Kluemper, D.M.D., M.S.—both Board-Certified Orthodontists with advanced training in orthodontic diagnosis and growth-focused treatment planning. Their combined expertise ensures every plan is thoughtful, individualized, and designed with your child's long-term development in mind.
The team at Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics uses advanced 3D digital imaging and diagnostic tools to evaluate tooth position, jaw structure, and facial relationships with a level of precision that traditional imaging cannot match. This technology supports more accurate treatment planning from the very first visit, giving our specialists a clearer picture of your child's orthodontic needs.
We offer customized payment plans and flexible financing options designed to fit your budget. Our goal is to make specialist-level early orthodontic care accessible to every Columbus family without unnecessary financial stress standing in the way.
Your child’s treatment is led by two board-certified orthodontic specialists who combine precision, clinical experience, and a shared dedication to individualized care. Together, they bring a coordinated approach focused on healthy development and long-term results.
Dr. Timothy G. Wigal, D.D.S., M.S., is a board-certified orthodontist dedicated to enhancing your natural facial aesthetics. He designs personalized treatment plans that consider airway development, facial balance, and long-term structural support.
Dr. Alex Kluemper, D.M.D., M.S., is a board-certified specialist with extensive training in craniofacial growth. He utilizes research-driven techniques to provide comprehensive care focused on long-term functional balance.
Our Columbus practice offers stress-free visits for families across the region. Conveniently located, our office is easily accessible from the north, east, or any part of the greater Columbus area.
Expert early orthodontic care is accessible through our flexible payment plans and insurance options. We ensure your child receives specialist-led treatment while providing the financial flexibility your family deserves.
In-network with most major plans.
Low monthly payment options.
Get clear answers to common questions about Phase 1 Orthodontics, what to expect, and how early treatment sets the stage for long-term success.
While the placement of the appliance is painless, it is normal for soreness and discomfort to arise in the days afterward. The good news is that it’s only temporary. Plus, there are several ways you can alleviate symptoms like these even sooner, like using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, eating only extremely soft foods, and taking OTC pain medication for kids as directed.
The majority of the time, yes. Just make sure that they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth, gums, and braces from harm. If they don’t have one already, let us know! We can have a custom one made that fits comfortably and is the appropriate thickness for the sport they play.
Some dental insurance providers do cover a portion of the cost, yes. So, if you are insured, it’s worth looking through the fine print on your plan! Our team at Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics would be happy to assist with this process as well, so don’t hesitate to provide us with your membership information. That way, we can take a look at the fine print, review your available benefits, and provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses.
Important reminder: If you don’t have dental insurance, that’s okay – that’s not the only financial solution available! We also welcome flexible financing with CareCredit and offer periodic specials so the cost of Phase 1 Orthodontics in Heath & Mt. Vernon can fit comfortably into just about every budget.
There are several factors that play a role in the answer, including the complexity of your child’s case. With that said, the average treatment timeline for Phase 1 Orthodontics is 9-12 months. When you and your little one visit our office, we can provide a more precise estimate and share what to do (as well as what NOT to do) to avoid frustrating delays.
There are a few adjustments that need to be made to their day-to-day routine, starting with avoiding crunchy and sticky foods, like hard pretzels and caramel-filled candies. They also need to be diligent about brushing twice a day, flossing every night before bed, and keeping their appliance clean. That way, they don’t develop tooth decay or any other oral health problems during their orthodontic treatment.
Do your child’s teeth crowd together to the point that they overlap? Are their emerging adult teeth being obstructed by their baby teeth? Are they having difficulty enunciating clearly? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then they may benefit from Phase 1 Orthodontics! Of course, the only way to know for certain is by scheduling a consultation at our office. That way, we can learn more about your concerns, complete a comprehensive oral exam, and determine if this orthodontic treatment would be beneficial!
