Two-phase orthodontics provides limited early treatment in anticipation of future orthodontic correction once the permanent teeth are in. Oftentimes this is done in a 12-18 month phase of partial treatment when the child is in a transitional dentition (some baby teeth and some adult teeth), followed by a 12-18 period of full braces once the adult teeth are present.
Early/Interceptive Treatment
The most common concerns parents have regarding their children's orthodontic problems are:
overbite
crowding
crossbite
thumb/tongue habits
Early treatment aims at detection and correction of space/jaw relationships to reduce or eliminate the need for tooth removal during future orthodontic correction. This treatment can also target the correction/elimination of harmful thumb and tongue habits. Most early treatment lasts 12-18 months.
*The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child's first orthodontic examination at or around age 7 if you are concerned about your child's oral health and how it may affect his or her future dental development.