Alliston Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
At Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, we specialize in early orthodontic care — and for some children, that means a two-phase approach. Two-phase treatment is a proactive, strategic method of straightening teeth and guiding jaw development in growing children. It’s designed to address orthodontic issues early, making future treatment simpler, shorter, and more effective.
If you’re a parent in Alliston or the surrounding area, this type of care could help your child avoid more invasive procedures down the road — and ensure a healthier, more confident smile.
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines early intervention with full orthodontic correction. It takes advantage of a child’s growth and development to prevent more severe alignment or bite issues later in life.
Treatment is completed in two distinct stages:
- Phase One focuses on early correction during childhood
- Phase Two occurs during adolescence to finalize alignment
The time between phases is called the resting phase, when we monitor development and allow permanent teeth to emerge naturally.
By addressing problems at the right time, we can reduce the need for extractions, surgery, or more aggressive treatment later on.
Phase One: Early Interceptive Treatment
Phase One typically begins between the ages of 6 and 10, while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The goal of this stage is to guide jaw development, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and address functional problems like crossbites or severe crowding.
Treatment during this phase may include:
- Limited braces or aligners
- Palatal expanders
- Space maintainers
- Habit-breaking appliances (for thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting)
This proactive phase can prevent more serious issues and give your child the best chance at a balanced, healthy smile.
Resting Phase
After Phase One is complete, your child enters a monitoring or “resting” phase. During this time, no active treatment is provided. We simply monitor growth and the eruption of permanent teeth with regular check-ins every 6–12 months.
The goals of the resting phase include:
- Allowing permanent teeth to emerge naturally
- Preserving the results from Phase One
- Determining if and when Phase Two is necessary
Not every child will need a full second phase — but if they do, we’ll be ready with a personalized treatment plan.
Phase Two: Full Orthodontic Treatment
Phase Two typically begins during the teenage years, once most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. This is the stage most people are familiar with — the process of fully aligning the teeth and correcting the bite.
Phase Two treatment may involve:
- Full braces (metal or aesthetic)
- Invisalign Teen or other clear aligners
- Elastics or other bite-correcting appliances
The goal is to create long-lasting harmony between the teeth, jaws, and facial structure — and to give your child a smile that’s both healthy and confident.
Who Needs Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment in Alliston, ON?
Not every child needs two-phase treatment — but for the right cases, it can make a world of difference. We may recommend this approach if your child shows signs of:
- Early jaw growth problems
- Crossbites, underbites, or severe overbites
- Severe crowding or spacing
- Speech or breathing concerns related to oral structure
- Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits
- Risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Children who start treatment around age 7–8 can often avoid more invasive options like surgery or tooth extractions later in life.
At Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, we provide a free initial consultation to assess your child’s needs and determine whether two-phase treatment is the right path forward.
Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase treatment provides several advantages that go beyond straight teeth:
- Corrects jaw growth while your child is still developing
- Reduces or eliminates the need for tooth extraction
- Helps permanent teeth erupt into a healthier position
- Improves facial symmetry and profile
- Supports better speech and breathing
- Builds confidence early with visible improvements
This type of care is about setting your child up for long-term success — functionally, aesthetically, and emotionally.
Why Choose Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery?
At Alliston Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, we take a comprehensive, thoughtful approach to early orthodontic care. We believe in treating the whole child — not just the teeth — and working closely with families to create a stress-free experience from start to finish.
Here’s why families in Alliston and nearby communities trust us:
- Board-certified orthodontic specialists with years of pediatric experience
- State-of-the-art technology with radiation-free digital scans
- Free initial consultations and clear, honest recommendations
- Personalized care — your child always sees the doctor
- Same-day answers to your questions — calls and emails returned promptly
- Flexible financing and insurance support
We don’t just straighten teeth — we guide growth and build confidence, one smile at a time.