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DENTIST REFERRALS
Two-phase treatment
Caring for your children’s teeth at every stage of growth
Children’s teeth don’t come in all at once, but there are some problems that can’t wait for adult teeth to finish erupting. Our technologically-led team uses two-phase treatment to fix orthodontic issues as they arise, making treatment more efficient and effective.
Book A Free ConsultationWhat is two-phase treatment?
Adult teeth typically come in over several years, starting with the first set of adult molars around age 7. The problem is that some issues, like improper jaw growth or bad bite, are more difficult to treat if you wait until all of your child’s adult teeth grow in.
That’s where two-phase treatment comes in. When our team uses this kind of treatment, your child’s overall time in orthodontic appliances is shortened, and the risk of jaw surgery and tooth extraction is reduced.
How long does two-phase treatment take?
A two-phase treatment plan will last a total of 3 to 5 years divided into 3 steps.
- The first step of treatment takes 12 to 18 months. This early treatment begins while your child has a mix of adult teeth and some baby teeth. We’ll correct any skeletal or formative issues in this phase.
- The second step is a waiting period that lasts 12 to 24 months. During this time, your child will need to wear retainers or headgear at night. These devices hold your child’s teeth in the same place we left off after phase one while we wait for the rest of their adult teeth to erupt.
- The third step is moving into phase two of treatment. Phase two lasts 12 to 18 months, and we’ll correct any final issues with tooth position and function. The length of this phase depends on how well your child followed their phase one and waiting period treatment plans.
You’re never too young for a healthy smile
As soon as your child gets their first adult molars or there are any visible signs of orthodontic issue, come in to see us. We can help you determine if two-phase treatment is part of your child’s journey to a healthy smile!
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