Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on August 5, 2026
A seven-year-old with a narrow jaw or a crossbite does not need a full set of braces just yet, but waiting until every adult tooth has come in can sometimes mean fixing problems that were once much simpler to guide. That is why some children follow a treatment plan split into two separate stages, each timed to a different point in their growth.
At Esteem Dental, our pediatric orthodontist in Orlando helps families figure out whether their child needs one phase of orthodontic care or two, so parents can move forward with a plan instead of guessing at the right timing.
What Happens During Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment, sometimes called interceptive orthodontics, generally begins between the ages of 6 and 10, while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The goal is not to create a finished smile. Instead, this phase guides the growth of the jaw and creates room for permanent teeth to come in the way they should.
Common tools used during this stage include palatal expanders, limited braces on select teeth, and functional appliances that influence how the jaw develops. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that two-phase treatment is considered when early growth guidance can address concerns such as a narrow upper jaw, severe crowding, or a bite that is likely to become more difficult to correct as a child grows.
Our early orthodontic treatment options are built around this same idea. When a young patient shows signs of a developing bite problem, addressing it early can sometimes make later treatment shorter and more predictable. In many cases, this stage relies on palatal expanders to widen a jaw that has grown too narrow to comfortably fit incoming teeth.
What Happens During Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 2 usually begins once most or all of a child’s permanent teeth have erupted, typically somewhere in the early adolescent years. This stage is what most people picture when they think of orthodontic treatment. The focus shifts from guiding growth to placing each tooth in its correct final position for a healthy bite and an even smile.
Depending on a child’s needs, this may involve traditional braces or clear aligner options. Because Phase 1 already addressed the underlying growth issue, Phase 2 can often focus more narrowly on fine-tuning alignment rather than correcting a more significant structural problem.
Does Every Child Need Both Phases?
Not every child who visits an orthodontist needs two separate phases of treatment. Many kids do well with a single, comprehensive round of orthodontic care once their permanent teeth have come in. Two-phase treatment tends to be recommended only when specific signs point to a benefit from early intervention. These signs include:
- Crossbite: the upper and lower teeth do not line up properly when the jaw is closed.
- Severe crowding: there is not enough space for permanent teeth to erupt normally.
- Protruding front teeth: teeth that stick out are more likely to be injured during play or sports.
- Early loss of baby teeth: losing teeth too soon can affect how permanent teeth come in.
If none of these concerns apply, our team may recommend waiting and monitoring growth with periodic checkups instead of starting treatment right away.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation With Esteem Dental
Every child’s mouth develops on its own timeline, which is why an evaluation with our team is the best way to know whether Phase 1, Phase 2, or a single round of treatment fits your child’s needs. We accept a range of insurance plans and are happy to walk families through financing options so that cost does not stand in the way of a healthy smile.
Whether your child is just starting to lose their baby teeth or is already well into their permanent set, we can help map out a plan that supports healthy growth at every stage. To find a time that works for your family, reach out to our office online and we will help you schedule an evaluation.
Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS
Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.
✓ Medically Reviewed
