Parents generally imagine braces for their kids as being a one-and-done process, but in reality, there’s more to it than that for some patients. When your child reaches their early elementary school years, you may hear about “two-phase orthodontic treatment” for the first time. Eastern Virginia Orthodontics is here to tell you all you need to know about this process as a parent.
What Is Two-Phase Treatment?
Two-phase treatment is an orthodontic approach developed specifically for growing children. It’s not something every child needs, but for those who do, it can make a big difference in their long-term oral health.
Here’s how it works:
Phase 1: Early Intervention
- Usually initiated between the ages of 7 and 10
- Mainly focuses on directing jaw growth and creating space for permanent teeth
- May involve partial braces, expanders, or other orthodontic appliances, depending on the patient’s needs
- Helps correct bite issues and potentially avoid the need for more invasive treatments later
Phase 2: Final Alignment
- Starts after most permanent teeth have come in (usually ages 11–13)
- Involves braces or clear aligners to move teeth into their ideal position
- Aims to create a well-balanced, functional bite and improved appearance
It’s important to know that only about 10% of children need both phases of treatment. However, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, every child should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
How Does Early Evaluation Make a Difference?
By age 7, your child’s jaw has developed enough for Dr. Peluso or Dr. Savage to detect potential problems with spacing, bite alignment, or emerging teeth. An early check-up around this age allows us to:
- Spot crowding or narrow arches
- Monitor underbites, overbites, or crossbites
- Guide erupting teeth into better positions
- Intervene if thumb sucking or tongue thrusting is affecting dental development
Early evaluation doesn’t mean your child will need treatment immediately, but it gives you valuable insight into how their smile develops.
What to Expect During Each Phase
During Phase 1:
- Your child will come in for routine appointments every 6–10 weeks, where we’ll make small adjustments to appliances and track progress.
- Appliances like expanders, space maintainers, or partial braces may be used, depending on your child’s needs.
- These tools help with jaw development, reduce crowding, and create a healthier path for permanent teeth.
- Treatment typically lasts around 9–12 months, depending on your child’s growth and how they respond to treatment.
- Once Phase 1 ends, your child may wear a retainer or enter a monitoring phase until Phase 2 is needed.
During Phase 2:
- Braces are used to shift teeth into their final positions and perfect the bite.
- Your child will regularly visit our office every 6–8 weeks to adjust appliances and assess progress.
- Treatment duration typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
- After appliances are removed, retainers are used to help stabilize the results and prevent unwanted movement.
Throughout both phases, our team is focused on making each visit productive and positive. We work hard to keep you informed every step of the way, so your family knows what to expect and your child feels confident in our care.
Frequently Asked Questions
As we said earlier, most children we see won’t necessarily require two-phase treatment. But for those who do, it’s always a process that pays off in the end.
Q: How do I know if Phase 1 is working?
Our team will monitor your child closely throughout treatment and share regular updates during your visits. As treatment progresses, you’llll likely see improvements in spacing, bite, or jaw alignmees.
Q: Is early treatment safe?
Absolutely. Early orthodontic treatment is carefully planned and uses gentle techniques that work with your child’s natural growth. It’s an excellent opportunity to set a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.
Q: What if we skip Phase 1?
Sometimes, delaying treatment may lead to more complicated issues like extractions or jaw surgery. If we determine during our evaluation that Phase 1 treatment is necessary, we definitely recommend following through with the treatment plan.
Q: Is two-phase treatment more expensive?
Even though it involves two phases, it may actually reduce the cost and complexity of later treatment by resolving certain problems early.
The Proactive Approach
For many things besides orthodontics, it’s always wise to try to gain a head start when you can. Eastern Virginia Orthodontics is here to help set your kids up for orthodontic success, and sometimes the key to that success is two-phase treatment. We’re always happy to meet new patients—come see us soon in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or Chesapeake.