One Phase or Two?

When is Two-Phase Necessary?

Different smiles require different levels of orthodontic treatment. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is to be assessed at a young age and involves two separate and distinct phases of treatment. Two-phase treatment is ideal for those who have jaw or bite problems, and can help children avoid dental issues that may arise in later stages of development. This will help position your child’s teeth and jaw, and will improve the overall look of their smile.

We recommend that you bring your child into our office when they reach the age of seven so we can assess their unique case and determine whether early treatment is recommended.

The First Phase

Phase-one orthodontic treatment, also known as early treatment, is when your child will have their first orthodontic exam. At this point we may recommend beginning phase-one treatment. At this time, we will make sure that there is enough room for your child’s permanent teeth to grow in. This very essential aspect of phase-one will reduce the risk of crooked teeth and overcrowding. This is when bite growth and the jaw will be treated.

The Second Phase

Most of us are familiar with phase-two orthodontic treatment, which is when braces are actually placed on the lower and/or upper teeth. This phase works to correct spaces, fix misaligned teeth, and correct worrisome overbites or underbites. Unlike phase-one, this phase will typically begin around the age of 11 or 12. As in every case, our doctors will have to determine your child’s specific needs, as all of our patients’ treatments are unique.

Signs That Your Child May Need Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

If your child experiences any of the following, please note that these may be signs that two-phase treatment will be recommended for your child:

• Problems with chewing or biting
• Losing baby teeth early; before the age of 5
• Any sign of crossbite, or teeth that don’t meet properly when opening
• Protruding upper or lower teeth
• Teeth that seem to become crowded by the age of 7 or 8

Have Your Child Assessed For Early Orthodontic Treatment Today

Please feel free to give us a call today if your child is experiencing any signs of potentially needing early treatment. We will create an individualized orthodontic plan for your child. With offices in Marlborough, Northborough, Newton Centre, and Worcester, keeping up with appointments with us is more convenient than ever before. We encourage you to visit our contact page to find the appropriate contact numbers and addresses of our four offices. We look forward to hearing from you!