In orthodontics, two-phase treatment starts during childhood. Taking part in two-phase treatment can set your child up for fewer costs and treatment time in the future. At Constant and Contro Orthodontics in Cupertino and Palo Alto, California, the team offers two-phase treatment after detailed orthodontic consultations. To book your child’s consultation, call the nearest office or schedule online today.

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What is two-phase treatment?

Two-phase treatment is a type of orthodontic care that starts during childhood. Your child receives some of the treatments they need to align their teeth as their jaw is still growing, malleable, and easy to manipulate with orthodontic devices.

While the majority of kids that come in for early orthodontic consultations can reach ideal results with just one phase of orthodontics (usually braces or Invisalign® during adolescence), others can benefit from two phases:

Phase one

Phase one involves fixed or removable appliances that work with your child’s growing jaw. They may even still have baby teeth during phase one. Your child’s phase one treatment might involve spacers, palatal expanders, or braces that work in tandem with their ongoing jaw growth.

Phase two

Phase two of two-phase orthodontic treatment begins after a resting period. Once your child has most or all of their permanent adult teeth, they can get braces or Invisalign when their orthodontist decides the time is right. After that, they use retainers to keep their teeth in place.

Who can benefit from two-phase treatment?

Two-phase treatment benefits growing children who have severe malocclusion or issues due to the poor positioning of their jaw or teeth.

The orthodontists at Constant and Contro Orthodontics provide a detailed evaluation during the initial consultation and ask about your child’s habits and tendencies.

They may recommend a two-phase treatment plan if your child has:

  • Abnormal swallowing
  • Prolonged thumb sucking
  • A severe underbite
  • Crossbite or open bite
  • Biting and chewing problems
  • Speech issues related to jaw or face structure
  • Crowded teeth

Your orthodontist tells you exactly why your child needs two-phase treatment and the specific benefits.

What are the advantages of two-phase treatment?

The main advantage of two-phase treatment is helping your child avoid more extensive orthodontic treatment, including surgical orthodontics, in the future.

Growing jaws and developing teeth are much easier to adjust than adult jaws and teeth, which are in a fixed position since they’ve stopped growing.

Your child’s orthodontist strategically plans every step of your child’s two-phase treatment according to their projected growth and development timeline.

If you’re interested in learning more about two-phase treatment and how it benefits your child’s oral health and functioning, call Constant and Contro Orthodontics or book a visit online today.