At Brazos Valley Orthodontics, we believe that a healthy smile starts early—and can have lasting effects on your child’s overall health and confidence. That’s why we often recommend two-phase orthodontic treatment for children who show early signs of jaw or dental issues. This proactive approach can guide your child’s facial development, reduce the need for more invasive treatments in the future, and support their lifelong oral and physical health.

What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a process that takes place in two distinct stages: one during childhood, and the second during adolescence. Unlike traditional orthodontics that begin in the teenage years, this method allows us to address developing issues early, while your child is still growing. The first phase focuses on jaw development and making space for incoming permanent teeth, while the second phase fine-tunes tooth alignment and bite for long-term function and aesthetics.

Why Start Treatment Early?

The biggest advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment is that it allows us to prevent rather than correct more serious problems down the road. By beginning treatment while the jaw is still developing, we can help it grow in a way that accommodates all of the permanent teeth and encourages a healthy bite. This early intervention can also reduce the likelihood of needing tooth extractions or jaw surgery later in life.

Delaying treatment, on the other hand, can allow problems to progress. What could have been addressed with a simple appliance in early childhood may eventually require more complex, invasive procedures if left untreated.

Phase One: Laying the Groundwork

The first phase of treatment usually begins around ages 6–8, when a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. At this stage, Dr. Gardner will evaluate your child’s dental and facial development to check for early signs of issues such as crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, or improper jaw growth.

If needed, we’ll use orthodontic appliances like expanders, partial braces, or retainers to guide jaw development, improve the fit of the upper and lower jaws, and make room for permanent teeth to come in correctly. This phase can be especially helpful for children whose upper jaws are growing too narrowly or who are showing signs of severe crowding.

Phase One treatment isn’t about perfecting the appearance of the smile yet—it’s about setting the stage for successful treatment in Phase Two and supporting the overall structure and function of your child’s developing mouth.

The Resting Period

Once Phase One is complete, your child enters a resting period. During this time, no active orthodontic appliances are typically worn. Instead, we allow the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally. In many cases, we’ll avoid using retainers unless necessary, as we want to give the teeth the freedom to find their correct path.

Though it may seem like a break, this phase is crucial. A successful Phase One will have created the necessary space and jaw structure for permanent teeth to erupt in a healthier, more functional way. Periodic check-ins (usually every six months) help us monitor progress and determine the ideal timing for the second phase. In some cases, selective removal of baby teeth may be recommended to support proper eruption.

Phase Two: Perfecting the Smile

Once all the permanent teeth have come in—usually around ages 11 to 13—Phase Two begins. This is the more familiar stage of orthodontics, where we use full braces or other appliances to guide each tooth into its ideal position. The goal is to ensure that every tooth functions in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and opposing teeth.

Phase Two treatment typically lasts around 24 months and is followed by the use of retainers to preserve the results. By the end of this phase, your child will not only have a straighter smile but also improved bite function and overall oral health.

The Link Between Orthodontics and Overall Health

Straightening teeth isn’t just cosmetic. Proper tooth and jaw alignment can have a positive impact on your child’s total health. A well-aligned bite improves chewing and digestion, makes brushing and flossing easier (reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease), and can even improve airway function and sleep quality in some cases. Addressing these concerns early also helps boost your child’s self-esteem and encourages healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Orthodontics is about more than straight teeth—it’s about building a strong foundation for your child’s overall wellness.

Schedule a FREE Consultation today!

If you’ve noticed crowding, bite issues, or early signs of jaw misalignment in your child, it may be time for an evaluation. At Brazos Valley Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping your child achieve a healthy, confident smile through personalized care that considers both short-term needs and long-term health.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gardner. Together, we’ll decide if two-phase treatment is right for your child—and help you take the first step toward lifelong oral health.