When do we start? Understanding Two Phases of Treatment

May 27, 2026

If you've recently attended a playdate or a school event and noticed that your friend's child is proudly sporting a set of braces, you might be wondering why your little one hasn't hopped on the orthodontic train just yet. Well, fear not! There's a method to the orthodontic madness, and today, we're diving into the world of early orthodontic treatment.

 

So, why might your friend's child be rocking braces while yours is still brace-free? Well, the concept of two phases of orthodontic treatment might hold the key. In some cases, it’s beneficial to start with early intervention, addressing specific issues when a child is around 7 years old. Dr. Sam is concerned about how the jaw and facial structure is growing or concerned there is not enough room for all of the adult teeth. This can help the adult teeth to come in properly, preventing a surgery to extract or expose any permanent teeth and help the jaw grow correctly and symmetrically while it is more malleable.

 

A second phase of treatment may be required at a later age when all the permanent teeth are erupted. The goal is to treat at specific times to reduce the need for more complicated treatments, including extractions or surgeries to uncover impacted teeth. The good news is for many kids, two phase treatment may not be required. Dr. Sam and his team take a conservative approach and understand that every smile is unique, and not all little teeth need an early tune-up. Instead, we opt for a wait-and-watch approach, intervening only when necessary. It's all about giving your child the right treatment at the right time.

 

The key takeaway here is that every child's orthodontic journey is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Sam and his team at King Orthodontics understand the importance of personalized care and take pride in offering conservative approaches that prioritize your child's long-term dental health.

 

So, if you're feeling a bit left out because your friend's child has braces and yours doesn't, don't fret. Embrace the uniqueness of your child's smile, and trust that Dr. Sam has their best interests at heart. When the time is right, we will guide your little one toward a radiant, confident smile – no rush, just the right touch of care. A common misconception is that you need a referral from your dentist to bring your child in for an evaluation and that is simply not the case. We will gladly schedule your complimentary consultation at any time and no referral is necessary. We feel everyone benefits from an initial visit at age 7, if for no other reason than “piece of mind” regarding your child's smile.

 

At King Orthodontics, we’re excited to help your child through all the stages of their smile. Schedule a FREE consultation today and let’s check and see let’s see what's going on in your kiddos mouth. Call us at (937) 433-0830 or click below to request an appointment.

 

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