Building Healthy, Confident Smiles from an Early Age
When it comes to orthodontic care for kids, timing matters. Not every child will need braces early on—but for some, starting treatment at the right time can prevent more serious problems later and set the foundation for a healthier smile. That’s where two-phase orthodontic treatment comes in.
At Hansen Orthodontics, Dr. Hansen offers two-phase treatment for children in Wichita, KS and surrounding areas, designed to guide jaw development, correct early alignment issues, and ensure proper spacing for permanent teeth. If you’re a parent wondering when (and why) your child should see an orthodontist, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized approach that involves two separate stages of care—with a resting period in between. This treatment is most often used when a child shows signs of developing jaw problems, misalignment, or spacing issues at an early age.
The goal is to take advantage of a child’s natural growth patterns to create the best possible foundation for permanent teeth and facial development, while reducing the need for more invasive treatment later on.
Phase 1: Early Intervention (Typically Ages 6–10)
What It Does:
Phase 1 focuses on jaw growth, bite development, and space creation for permanent teeth. Treatment may include expanders, partial braces, or other appliances.
Goals of Phase 1 Treatment:
- Correct underdeveloped or uneven jaws
- Guide permanent teeth into a better position
- Improve airway function and breathing
- Address severe crowding early on
- Minimize the risk of impacted teeth
- Reduce the likelihood of future extractions or surgery
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Speech problems
- Prolonged thumb-sucking or mouth breathing
- Crowded or protruding front teeth
- Jaw shifts, clicks, or asymmetry
Why Timing Matters:
By starting Phase 1 while your child is still growing, Dr. Hansen can guide jaw and facial development in ways that aren’t possible once growth is complete. This sets the stage for a healthier, more balanced smile in the future.
Resting Phase: Letting Nature Take Its Course
After Phase 1, your child will enter a resting period, where we monitor growth and allow the remaining permanent teeth to come in naturally. This phase typically involves:
- Periodic check-ups with Dr. Hansen
- No active appliances
- Space maintenance as needed
The goal is to allow the teeth and jaw to develop naturally while preserving the benefits of Phase 1.
Phase 2: Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment (Typically Ages 11–13)
Once most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted, Phase 2 begins. This stage involves braces or Invisalign to fine-tune alignment, correct the bite, and achieve long-lasting results.
Goals of Phase 2 Treatment:
- Ensure teeth are in their ideal positions
- Create a balanced, functional bite
- Finalize the aesthetics of your child’s smile
- Improve long-term oral health and stability
What Are the Benefits of Two-Phase Treatment?
- Addresses problems early, when they’re easier to correct
- Supports proper facial and airway development
- Reduces treatment complexity in the teen years
- May prevent extractions or jaw surgery later
- Helps children breathe, chew, and speak more effective
- Builds confidence in growing kids through early smile improvements
Does Every Child Need Two Phases?
No—not every child will need two-phase treatment. Some children can wait until all permanent teeth are in before starting braces. But for those with early signs of jaw or bite issues, two-phase treatment can be a proactive, highly effective approach.
Dr. Hansen will evaluate your child’s smile and growth during a consultation to determine the best timing and treatment plan.
Schedule a Free Orthodontic Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean your child will start treatment right away, but it gives us the opportunity to detect potential issues early and plan ahead if needed.