Two-phase treatment acknowledges the fact that your child is still growing and creates an orthodontic treatment plan around their development. Combining orthodontic straightening methods and your child’s physical facial changes allows kids to grow into healthy, straight smiles that last a lifetime.

Two-phase treatment is your best bet for ensuring the least invasive treatment to fully correct any imperfections in your child’s smile. This is why it’s important to bring your son or daughter to our Burke pediatric dental office early, usually by their seventh birthday. During this visit, our orthodontist Dr. Aymach will determined if two-phase treatment is recommended for your child. When needed, early treatment is most effective for achieving lasting results.

What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?

Often, it is best to divide orthodontic treatment into two phases because there are some modifications that can only be accomplished in younger children before they have stopped growing. Children benefit tremendously from phase-one treatment.

Receiving early treatment may prevent the removal of permanent teeth later in life, or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws. Phase One treatment allows room for all the permanent teeth and improves the way the jaws fit together.

Phase One

A Foundation for a Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles

The first phase of the treatment helps guide your child’s jaw as it develops. Dr. Aymach will plan a treatment to ensure that all teeth will fit properly in the mouth and that the upper and lower jaws fit together.

This first treatment phase typically includes the use of a growth modification appliance, such as a palate expander: a device to help correct an underbite or overbite.

Signs that an upper jaw is growing too profusely or is too narrow can be apparent as early as age six. Treating these issues early can prevent the need for tooth extraction or corrective jaw surgery later in life.

Resting Period

This is the off time between phases one and two where we wait for your child’s permanent teeth to finish growing in. In most cases, it is best to allow the teeth freedom to grow naturally, so retainers or other appliances will not be used. Ideally, the first phase will have created necessary space in your child’s mouth so that the teeth grow in properly. If you forgo Phase One, teeth could become impacted or severely misaligned.

Dr. Aymach will continue to monitor your child’s smile, typically on a six-month basis. In many cases, your child’s existing baby teeth may have to be extracted to make room for the permanent teeth as they grow in.

Phase Two

Stay healthy and look attractive

This phase begins after all permanent teeth have erupted and usually involves upper and lower braces. The goal of this phase is to fine-tune the exact location of each tooth, ensuring that the cheeks, lips, tongue, and teeth all fit together nicely. After this phase is over, a retainer needs to be worn for life in order to maintain a beautiful smile.

Our Burke pediatric dental office is unique in that our orthodontist and pediatric dentists work very closely together to ensure your child is getting the best treatment and orthodontic care. Dr. Aymach works with Dr. Kramer and Dr. Bunin to review your child’s case and ensure optimal results for both your child’s cosmetic and oral health concerns.