Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized approach that divides treatment into two stages at different points in a child’s growth and development.
It may be recommended when certain orthodontic concerns can benefit from treatment while the jaws are still growing, followed by additional treatment once most or all the permanent teeth have erupted.
Not every child needs two phases of orthodontic treatment. Our orthodontists will carefully evaluate your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development to determine whether early intervention may provide a meaningful benefit.
Phase I: Guiding Growth and Development
Phase I treatment typically begins while a child still has a combination of baby and permanent teeth. The goal is to address specific orthodontic concerns that may be more effectively treated while your child is still growing.
Depending on your child’s needs, Phase I treatment may help:
- Guide jaw growth and development
- Create space for permanent teeth to erupt
- Address crossbites, underbites, or other developing bite concerns
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Address oral habits that may affect dental development Treatment may involve limited braces, an expander, or another orthodontic appliance depending on your child’s needs.
Between Phase I and Phase II After Phase I treatment is complete, there is typically a period of observation while the remaining permanent teeth erupt and your child’s jaws continue to grow. During this time, we will monitor your child’s dental development through periodic visits and determine when or if additional orthodontic treatment is needed.
Phase II: Creating the Final Smile
Phase II treatment typically begins once most or all the permanent teeth have erupted. The goal of this phase is to align the permanent teeth, improve the bite, and create a healthy, functional smile.
Phase II commonly involves braces or clear aligners to:
- Align and straighten the permanent teeth
- Improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Refine the bite and tooth positions
- Create a balanced, healthy smile
The length and type of treatment will depend on your child’s orthodontic needs and how their teeth and jaws develop.
Does My Child Need Two-Phase Treatment?
Not every orthodontic concern requires early intervention or two separate phases of treatment. For many children, monitoring growth and waiting until more permanent teeth have erupted may be the most appropriate approach.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Every child’s smile develops differently. A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether treatment is needed now, later, or in two phases. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Burke Family Orthodontics to learn whether two- phase orthodontic treatment may be beneficial for your child.
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