Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that takes advantage of a childâ€s growth in an effort to resolve physical, and facial deficiencies as well as improve the alignment of teeth. A growing childâ€s jaw is flexible which makes it possible to correct problems in the early stages of orthodontic treatment without having to resort to jaw surgery.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first visit with the orthodontist by the time they are seven years old at the latest. By that age, their permanent teeth have started to emerge, and the orthodontist will be able to spot developing problems like crowding. Some of these conditions are due to jaw problems such as an abnormally narrow palate.