Early care is designed to support your child’s developing smile by addressing growth patterns at an ideal time. Phase 1 treatment allows specialists to guide jaw development, create space when needed, and help support proper eruption of permanent teeth in a more balanced environment.
At Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics, this early approach emphasizes functional balance of the bite, facial development, and long-term oral health. By intervening during growth, treatment can often simplify future orthodontic needs while supporting more natural development.
Phase 1 Orthodontics helps shape healthy growth early, setting the stage for simpler future care.
Phase 1 treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth while the face is still developing. By creating the right conditions for permanent teeth to come in properly, it can help reduce crowding and support more balanced facial proportions over time.
By addressing developing concerns early, Phase 1 Orthodontics can often simplify what is needed in later stages of treatment. This early guidance helps create a more efficient path toward long-term stability and function.
Early orthodontic intervention can also support how the teeth, jaws, and bite work together. This includes improvements in chewing function and overall oral balance during key stages of growth.
Choosing orthodontic care is about more than straight teeth — it’s about trusting a team that understands how the smile, jaws, and overall balance come together.
At Wigal & Kluemper Orthodontics, every treatment plan is designed with precision, personalization, and your long-term outcomes in mind.
Your care is guided by Dr. Timothy Wigal, DDS, MS and Dr. Alex Kluemper, DMD, MS, both Board-Certified Orthodontists with advanced training in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Their combined expertise ensures your treatment is thoughtful, individualized, and focused on balanced bite development and long-term outcomes.
We use advanced 3D digital imaging and diagnostic tools to evaluate tooth position, jaw structure, and facial relationships with greater accuracy. This technology allows for more precise treatment planning and a clearer understanding of your orthodontic needs from the start.
We offer flexible financing options and customized payment plans designed to fit your budget, making it easier to move forward with the care you need without unnecessary financial stress.
Your care is led by two board-certified orthodontic specialists who bring precision, experience, and a shared commitment to individualized care. Together, they deliver a thoughtful approach focused on lasting, well-planned results for every patient
Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Timothy Wigal approaches every Invisalign® case through the framework of the Six Elements of Orofacial Harmony, evaluating how teeth, jaws, and facial structures work together as a system. His focus on facial balance and airway health ensures that treatment outcomes at Wigal & Kluemper go far beyond straight teeth—delivering results that are genuinely transformative and built to last.
Dr. Alex Kluemper is a board-certified orthodontist with specialized expertise in craniofacial growth, interceptive and surgical orthodontics, and advanced tooth movement biology. His academic background and clinical precision make him particularly skilled at managing complex cases—and his patients consistently appreciate his clarity, thoroughness, and commitment to results that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Quality care becomes more accessible with flexible payment plans and insurance coverage that works for you.
In-network with most major plans.
Low monthly payment options.
Accessible orthodontic core starts here, with options designed to fit your needs and your budget.
Get clear answers to common questions about early orthodontic care, timing, and what to expect during treatment.
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!
