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Some smiles need a little extra planning to achieve the best, longest-lasting results. That’s where two-phase orthodontic treatment comes in. At Canton Orthodontics, we use this approach to guide your child’s jaw growth early on, then fine-tune their smile during the teen years—helping ensure a healthy bite and beautiful smile for life.
Two-phase treatment is a proactive way to address orthodontic issues before they become more complex, giving kids the best foundation for lasting oral health.
Canton Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase treatment involves two separate stages of orthodontic care, spaced out over time. The first phase happens while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the second occurs once most or all permanent teeth have erupted.
By combining early intervention with comprehensive treatment later, we can correct bite problems, create space for incoming teeth, and reduce the need for extractions or surgery.
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process designed for growing children. It allows orthodontists to guide jaw growth, correct bite problems, and position teeth for the best long-term stability.
Rather than waiting until all the permanent teeth come in, this method uses growth periods to make changes that are easier and more effective in childhood.
Phase One: Early Interceptive Treatment
Phase one focuses on addressing jaw development and spacing issues while your child still has baby teeth. Common goals for this stage include:
- Creating room for permanent teeth to come in correctly
- Correcting crossbites, underbites, or overbites early
- Guiding jaw growth for proper alignment
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Improving appearance and self-esteem during formative years
Treatment during this phase may involve partial braces, expanders, or other appliances. This stage typically lasts 6–12 months, depending on your child’s needs.
Resting Phase
After phase one is complete, your child enters a resting phase. No active treatment is taking place during this time, but we’ll monitor their growth and development through periodic checkups.
The goal is to allow permanent teeth to erupt naturally, while keeping the results from phase one stable. Retainers may be used to maintain alignment during this stage.
Phase Two: Full Orthodontic Treatment
Phase two begins once all or most of the permanent teeth have come in—usually during the early teen years. This stage focuses on fine-tuning tooth alignment and bite function.
- Placing braces or Invisalign to align teeth perfectly
- Correcting any remaining bite discrepancies
- Ensuring teeth fit together comfortably and function well
- Creating a balanced, healthy, and attractive smile
By building on the work done in phase one, this stage is often shorter and more predictable than treatment begun in the teen years alone.
Who Needs Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment in Canton, GA?
Not every child needs two-phase treatment, but it’s especially beneficial for those with:
- Significant bite problems — Crossbite, underbite, or deep overbite
- Severe crowding — Little or no space for permanent teeth
- Jaw growth discrepancies — Upper or lower jaw too far forward or back
- Protruding teeth — At higher risk for injury
- Habits like thumb-sucking — Causing bite or jaw issues
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to determine if early intervention is needed.
Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase treatment offers several important benefits for growing smiles:
- Improved long-term stability — Early guidance can reduce the risk of teeth shifting later
- Reduced need for extractions — Creating space before crowding becomes severe
- Better jaw function — Correcting misalignment during growth phases
- Enhanced facial balance — Guiding jaw growth for a harmonious profile
- Boosted self-confidence — Giving kids a healthier, more attractive smile earlier
This approach can make a big difference in both function and appearance, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Why Choose Canton Orthodontics?
Families in Canton trust us for two-phase treatment because we combine expertise, technology, and genuine care for our young patients:
- Early treatment expertise — Years of experience guiding smiles through growth phases
- Advanced technology — Digital scans for precise planning without messy impressions
- Personalized approach — Every treatment plan is tailored to your child’s needs
- Kid-friendly environment — Making visits comfortable and positive
- Long-term support — Monitoring growth and ensuring lasting results
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a thoughtful, proactive approach to creating healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime. Contact Canton Orthodontics today to schedule your child’s evaluation and see if early treatment is right for them.