When you hear about two-phase orthodontic treatment, it might sound complicated or intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. At Razi Orthodontics, we believe in making sure you understand every step of your child’s smile journey. If your dentist or Dr. Razi has mentioned your child would benefit from starting phase 1 orthodontic treatment, or you’ve noticed some early signs that your child’s teeth or jaw may not be developing ideally, you’re in the right place. Here’s what you need to know about phase 1 and phase 2 orthodontics and how it can set your child up for a healthier, more confident future.
What Is Phase One Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase one orthodontic treatment—sometimes called early interceptive treatment—begins while your child still has some of their baby teeth. This phase usually starts between ages 7 and 10, when permanent teeth are beginning to come in but aren’t all the way developed.
The goal of phase one is not necessarily to straighten teeth (that comes later), but to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, improve airway health, and correct harmful habits like thumb sucking or abnormal swallowing. This early approach can help:
- Reduce the risk of severe crowding or spacing issues
- Improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together
- Prevent more serious bite problems from developing
- Support better breathing and oral function
- Minimize the risk of needing to remove permanent teeth
- Improve self-esteem and confidence
We often use palatal expanders (orthodontic appliances that widen the upper jaw) and metal braces during this phase, depending on your child’s needs.
What Happens Between Phases?
After the phase one orthodontic treatment is complete, there’s typically a resting period where no active treatment is happening. This allows time for the remaining baby teeth to fall out and most of the adult teeth to come in naturally.
During this time, Dr. Razi continues to monitor your child’s progress with occasional checkups. If anything starts to shift in a way that could cause problems, we’ll catch it early. The monitoring period is an important part of two-phase orthodontic treatment and ensures that phase two happens at the right time for your child’s development.
What Is Phase Two Treatment?
Phase two treatment is what most people think of when they hear the word “braces.” This phase usually begins when all or most of the permanent teeth have erupted, typically around age 11–13.
In phase two, we focus on perfecting tooth alignment, bite correction, and fine-tuning the function and appearance of the smile. Braces or Invisalign clear aligners are used to move the teeth into their ideal positions.
By this point, a lot of the heavy lifting has already been done in phase one. Because of that, phase two tends to be shorter and less complicated than treatment would be if we waited until the teenage years to start everything at once.
How Do You Know If Your Child Needs Phase One?
The best way to know if your child needs phase one treatment is by bringing them in for an orthodontic evaluation around age seven. This doesn’t mean they’ll start treatment right away. In fact, many kids don’t need early intervention. But having that first checkup gives us a chance to spot concerns while they’re still small, and gives you peace of mind that you’re not missing something important.
Some signs your child might benefit from early orthodontic treatment include:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Mouth breathing
- Grinding of teeth
- Speech challenges related to jaw alignment
- Jaws that shift or make noise
Dr. Razi would never recommend treatment a patient didn’t need, so you can feel confident that if we suggest your child begins treatment now, we truly believe it will benefit them. Every treatment plan for all Razi Orthodontics patients—regardless of age—is customized based on what’s best for their long-term health, development, and comfort!
Why Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment Matters
It’s natural to wonder why two separate phases are necessary. Couldn’t we wait until all the permanent teeth are in and do it all at once? In some cases, yes—but for many kids, early treatment can prevent bigger issues down the road.
Starting with phase one allows us to work with your child’s natural growth rather than against it, or make changes after growth is done and the body is beginning to “settle in” for adulthood. This can reduce the need for more invasive treatment later, such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery. It also helps kids feel more comfortable and confident about their smiles at a younger age, which can have a tremendous impact on their mental health for years.
And remember, it’s not just about how teeth look. It’s about how they function, too. Phase one treatment can help with breathing, chewing, speaking, and even sleep quality.
What To Expect At Razi Orthodontics
Whether you’re coming to us for an initial orthodontic evaluation, beginning your child’s phase two, or transitioning your child to retainers, you’ll always get clear communication and personalized care from our team. Dr. Razi takes the time to explain each step, answer your questions, and involve you in the decision-making process.
If your child is a candidate for phase one orthodontic treatment, we’ll walk you through the plan, the timing, and the tools we’ll use. If they’re not ready for treatment yet, we’ll monitor their growth at regular intervals—at no cost—until the time is right.
Families who come to Razi Orthodontics will, without fail, benefit from short, efficient visits, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a team that makes your child feel at home. With locations in both Naperville and Wheaton, it’s easy to make appointments that fit your schedule.
Early Care Leads To Lifelong Confidence
Phase one orthodontic treatment isn’t about rushing your child into braces. It’s about giving their smile the best chance to grow healthy and strong. By working with Razi Orthodontics, you’re choosing a team that prioritizes your child’s comfort, development, and future every step of the way.
If you’re searching for high-quality orthodontics in Naperville, IL, or a trusted provider of Wheaton orthodontics, Razi Orthodontics is here for your family. Schedule a free consultation with our team today!