Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12-21 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address habits such as thumb sucking or digit sucking, speech issues, or to prevent growth and development issues from becoming more severe. As a side effect, it also seems to improve self-esteem and self-image for the child. Phase One can often be less invasive for the patient and far less expensive for the parents.