Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

At The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics, we are proud to offer two-phase orthodontic treatment — a specialized process that combines tooth straightening with guiding jaw and facial development. This unique, proactive approach helps maximize the potential for long-term, healthy, functional, and aesthetically beautiful results that will last your child a lifetime.

What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment involves two distinct stages of care:

• Phase One: Focuses on developing the jaw and creating space for incoming permanent teeth.

• Phase Two: Fine-tunes tooth alignment and bite correction once all permanent teeth have erupted.

This approach helps correct potential problems early and ensures that your child’s teeth, jaw, and facial structure develop in harmony.

Why Start Early?

Delaying treatment can lead to more invasive and complex procedures in the future, including extractions or jaw surgery. Early intervention allows the doctors at The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics to guide jaw growth and tooth positioning when it’s easiest to influence — ensuring a stable, confident smile for life.

Phase One: Laying the Foundation for a Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles

The goal of Phase One is to help the jaw develop properly to accommodate all permanent teeth and improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together.

Signs Your Child May Need Phase One Treatment:

• Crowded teeth at age 7 or 8

• Upper jaw that is too narrow or growing too large

• Early signs of bite problems or misaligned jaws

Benefits of Phase One Treatment:

• Creates space for permanent teeth

• Reduces the chance of impacted teeth

• Prevents the need for future tooth extractions

• Can reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery later in life

How We Plan Treatment

During your child’s initial consultation, the doctors at The Smile Makers will take detailed orthodontic records — including X-rays, photographs, and digital models — to create a custom treatment plan. These records help us determine what appliances to use, the length of treatment, and how often we’ll need to monitor your child’s progress.

The Resting Period

After Phase One, your child enters a resting period where permanent teeth are allowed to erupt naturally. During this time, retaining devices are often not used unless needed. This period is carefully monitored to ensure that the teeth have enough room to emerge in proper positions.

We recommend periodic observation appointments every six months during this phase to monitor tooth eruption and determine if any early extractions of baby teeth are necessary to help guide permanent teeth into the correct position.

Phase Two: Perfecting the Smile

The goal of Phase Two is to ensure that each tooth is in its ideal position and in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth for proper function and long-term stability.

What Happens During Phase Two?

• Phase Two typically begins after all permanent teeth have erupted.

• This phase usually involves full upper and lower braces, worn for an average of 24 months.

• The focus is on fine-tuning alignment and achieving a perfect, functional bite.

Once braces are removed, retainers are prescribed to maintain the results and ensure your child’s smile stays beautiful for life.

Why Choose The Smile Makers for Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

• Experienced doctors specializing in early orthodontic intervention

• State-of-the-art technology, including digital imaging and customized treatment planning

• A warm, family-friendly environment where children and parents feel comfortable

• Ongoing monitoring to ensure successful jaw development and tooth eruption

• Convenient locations serving Morehead City, Havelock and Jacksonville, NC

Give Your Child the Gift of a Lifetime Smile

Early orthodontic evaluation and two-phase treatment can save your child from more complex procedures later and help them achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts.

If your child is around age seven or showing signs of bite or jaw issues, schedule a consultation today with the doctors at The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics!

We are proud to be the trusted choice for two-phase orthodontic treatment in Morehead City, Havelock and Jacksonville, NC, helping children achieve confident, lifelong smiles through early, proactive care.

Contact us today to schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation!

All of our doctors have achieved Board Certification with the American Board of Orthodontics. Being Board Certified means our doctors have demonstrated the ability to diagnose and treat the most challenging orthodontic problems, and achieve beautiful and functional results! This certification is attained by only a fraction of orthodontists in the country, and we are the only Board Certified Orthodontists in the area. Choose to be treated by the best!