Most issues involving the alignment of a child’s teeth or the growth of their jaws can be identified as early as the first or second grade. That is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first check-up with an orthodontic specialist by age 7.
At this initial visit, the orthodontist will carefully assess your child’s bite, the alignment of the teeth, and the growth and relationship of the jaws. They will also look for functional issues such as shifting, premature tooth loss, or the effects of habits like thumb sucking, abnormal swallowing, or mouth breathing that may influence bite development. When identified early, these habits—and the effects they cause—can often be corrected more easily and effectively.
Following this evaluation, the orthodontist will let you know whether any immediate treatment is needed. In many cases, no action is required right away, and your child will simply be monitored periodically until the optimal time for treatment. This proactive approach allows for a personalized care plan that takes into account both your child’s dental development and projected facial growth.
When early intervention is needed, orthodontic treatment typically begins between the ages of 7 and 10, during the mixed dentition stage when permanent front teeth and molars have erupted but many baby teeth still remain.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment is a specialized approach that involves two distinct stages of care. The first phase begins while a child is still growing and has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This early intervention takes advantage of the child’s natural growth to address developing problems with jaw structure, bite alignment, and spacing.
By guiding jaw development and correcting issues early, Phase One helps set the foundation for a more effective and simplified Phase Two, when the remaining permanent teeth have erupted. Together, the two phases aim to create a well-aligned, functional bite, attractive smile, and stable long-term results.
You might wonder: “What if I wait until my child is older, or until all their permanent teeth come in?”
While orthodontic care can be successful at any age, delaying treatment can reduce your child’s options and may result in more complex or invasive procedures later. Early intervention through a two-phase approach offers the chance to:
Phase One typically begins between the ages of 7 and 10. It focuses on addressing developing issues early and may involve the use of expanders, limited braces, or other appliances.
Objectives of Phase One include:
After Phase One is complete, your child enters a “resting” or observation period. During this time, no active treatment is provided, but we closely monitor your child’s dental development and jaw growth. This ensures that the transition to Phase Two happens at the right time—when most or all of the permanent teeth have come in.
Phase Two typically starts in the early teen years and involves full braces or clear aligners on the upper and lower teeth. This phase focuses on fine-tuning the bite and achieving ideal alignment for optimal aesthetics, function, and stability.
Goals of Phase Two:
Throughout both phases, diagnostic records (such as X-rays, photos, and digital scans) are taken to carefully plan and monitor treatment. These records help your orthodontist make informed decisions and track your child’s progress every step of the way.
