Children love eating chocolates, candies, and various other things that can harm their teeth and cause dental concerns. These dental concerns can lead to losing your children’s beautiful and healthy smile. That’s why it is essential to have two phase orthodontic treatment for children who have specific dental and jaw concerns.
This specialized two-phase approach is used during teenage years, as it offers early intervention to guide jaw growth and correct bite issues before they become more complex or severe. But what is this two-phase orthodontic treatment, its benefits, and what is the best age to start? Let’s explore this blog guide and get insights about two phase orthodontic treatment.
What Is Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two phase orthodontic treatment is an approach that takes place in 2 different stages. Each stage focuses on different aspects of jaw and dental development.
Phase One—Phase one treatment is also known as early intervention treatment that ranges between ages 6 and 10. This treatment starts when your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The main purpose of phase one orthodontic treatment is to address bite issues or significant alignment early to make room for permanent teeth to grow or rise correctly. Most orthodontists use space maintainers, partial braces, or palatal expanders to guide jaw development and prevent overcrowding or misalignment.
Phase Two—Phase 2 treatment, which is also known as final alignment, begins between ages 11 and 14. In this approach, full braces or clear aligners are used to fine-tune the bite and align teeth for a straight and long-lasting smile.
Professional orthodontists minimize the severity of issues, reduce the need for extractions, and improve overall dental function in the long run by dividing treatment into two phases.
One Phase Vs Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment: Which Is Better?
People often ask orthodontists why not just wait until all permanent teeth come and then do a single-phase treatment? Orthodontists recommend that all this depends on the child’s specific orthodontic needs. Neither treatment is superior to the other—all you need to know is about what’s most effective for each patient.
- Single-phase treatment (traditional braces): If your child is suffering from mild to moderate alignment issues, it can be corrected once all permanent teeth are present. For this condition, single-phase treatment is recommended.
- Two-phase treatment: If your child is suffering from significant bite or jaw issues, two phase treatment is recommended.
However, a professional orthodontist will analyze your child’s dental condition and then recommend the best approach for the best results.
Benefits of Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two phase orthodontic treatment offers various exceptional benefits; let’s explore.
- Guides Jaw Growth: Two phase approach corrects jaw discrepancies in the early stage and avoids the need for more invasive treatment such as jaw surgery.
- Reduces the Need for Extractions: Two phase treatment reduces the need for extraction by expanding the jaw in the first phase. This approach allows room for permanent teeth to emerge properly.
- Improves Facial Aesthetics: Two-phase treatment provides early intervention that helps to maintain the shape of the facial profile, leads to more balanced facial symmetry, and leads to a beautiful, attractive smile.
- Corrects Harmful Oral Habits: The phase one approach corrects harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and other habits. These habits lead to serious alignment issues if not treated early, so it’s essential to treat them before they cause long-term damage.
- Boosts Confidence: Two-phase orthodontic treatment approaches boost confidence and offer a positive impact on a child’s self-esteem by providing straighter teeth and an improved bite during a child’s formative years.
Who Needs Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two phase approach is highly beneficial, but not every child needs it. Children with these specific issues need two phase orthodontic treatment.
- Spacing or Severe Crowding Issues
- Bite Issues Such As Underbites, Overbites, Or Crossbites
- Early Baby Teeth Loss
- Jaw Growth Discrepancies
- Chewing Difficulties Due to Misaligned Teeth
- Thumb Sucking or Other Oral Habits
Are you still unsure if your child needs two phase orthodontic treatment? An early orthodontic evaluation around age 7 can help determine the action you need to take at that moment.
Final Thoughts: When to Start Two Phase Treatment
When is the best time to start orthodontic two phase treatment? It depends on your child’s dental development. An orthodontic evaluation by age 7 is recommended as the best time by the American Association of Orthodontists. Age 7 is the best time recommended because at that time early bite and alignment issues become apparent.
You must schedule a consultation with your professional and experienced orthodontist whenever you find any signs of bite problems, crowding, or jaw misalignment in your child. This is the best step to take, as early intervention makes all the difference and ensures your child’s healthy and confident smile.
Are You Ready to Explore Treatment Options?
If you are looking for the best two phase orthodontic treatment for your child, you must contact Kinser Orthodontics, where you will receive high-quality orthodontic treatments. Schedule a consultation with our trusted and professional orthodontist, who will evaluate your child’s dental development and guide you toward the best approach for a beautiful, functional smile that lasts a lifetime!
