Two-Phase Treatment

Parents often assume their children should not begin orthodontic treatment until they are at least 13. However, the American Association of Orthodontics and the American Dental Association both agree that treatment can start as early as age seven. Even if children do not start orthodontic treatment at that time, they should start visiting an orthodontist to prepare for future care.

Orthodontic Treatment Approach for Pre-Teen Children

We offer two-phase treatment in Bradenton, FL, to our younger patients who could benefit from having their teeth straightened or an overbite or underbite corrected at an early age. The term two-phase treatment means that your child receives services from us at two different times with a break in treatment in between. This timing is ideal because it allows Dr. Jeffrey Thompson to take advantage of your child’s predicted physical growth and stages of dental development.

What Are Some of the Advantages of Two-Phase Treatment?

Completing orthodontic treatment in two phases allows the jaws to develop properly, which in turn ensures enough space for the permanent teeth to come in without problems. Below are several other advantages of this treatment approach.

• Offers early intervention to undo the damage caused by prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use.
• Can help to resolve problems with swallowing.
• It aligns the upper and lower jaws, which is especially important for children with an underbite.
• Orthodontic treatment at an early age can correct some issues that would require oral surgery when the child gets older.
• Two-phase treatment in East Bradenton, West Bradenton, or Parrish, Florida, may eliminate the need to extract teeth later.

We treat all ages and address all needs here at Orthodontic Specialists. If you want to know more about the benefits of two-phase treatment for your elementary-aged child, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thompson.

Phase One / Phase Two Combined Treatment

In Invisalign phase one / phase two is a seamless transition. It progresses from primary or baby teeth into adult dentition usually at ages 9-13. Aligners provide compensation and control needed for space while teeth are developing and erupting. And capitalizes on the patients growth and development.

Will Your Child Need Additional Services After Completing Two-Phase Treatment?

While most children finish orthodontic treatment after completing two phases with a break in between, some will need further interventions to ensure proper alignment of the teeth and jaws. These treatments could include wearing an orthodontic appliance or jaw surgery. Dr. Thompson will let you know if your child needs additional services after phase two.

One of the most common reasons that pediatric patients need to continue visiting Orthodontic Specialists is poor oral hygiene. Unfortunately, not brushing and flossing their teeth as often as they should cause tooth decay and plaque buildup that can affect the structure of the teeth.

Some children have severe jaw misalignment issues that require more than two-phase treatment, while others experience their teeth shifting back toward their previous position. Rest assured, Dr. Thompson and our family-owned orthodontic practice team will get your child back on track as quickly as possible.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn More About Two-Phase Treatment

Two-phase treatment in Bradenton, FL, improves your child’s oral health at an early age because caring for aligned teeth is much easier. Having a straight smile also improves a child’s confidence. We invite you to reach out to Orthodontic Specialists in West Bradenton, East Bradenton, or Parrish to request a consultation with Dr. Thompson. After completing a brief exam of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaws, he will answer any questions that you still have about the process.