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Two-Phase Treatment

Home » Blog » Two-Phase Treatment

You may hear the term “two-phase treatment” from us at Craig & Streight Orthodontics once your child finishes his or her orthodontic evaluation with us. If you haven’t heard this term before, it can sound a little intimidating. Luckily, it’s not as confusing as it sounds!

Two-phase treatment is the orthodontic process that is carried out in two stages. Tooth straightening is the first stage. The second stage is physical, facial changes. It allows us to provide patients with a healthy, beautiful outcome that lasts for years to come.

Phase I begins with interceptive orthodontic treatment. This stage stops orthodontic issues in their preliminary stages so they won’t become serious problems later. Generally, treatment happens when your child is around 8-9 years old and the permanent teeth are still coming in. Phase I treatment is recommended when severe orthodontic difficulties can be made worse by waiting, resulting in crooked or misaligned teeth and jaws.  

We start Phase II treatment once your child has all his or her permanent teeth. Since Phase II is used to perfect teeth alignment, it cannot be done while there are still baby teeth.

Just to set your mind at ease, we want to assure you that two-phase treatment is NOT a tricky way to put on two sets of braces. It also does not cost twice the money or take twice the time.

We prefer to avoid two-phase treatment if possible but to get long-lasting results some patients require it.

Still not sure what two-phase treatment is or what it fully entails? Let’s take a closer look at two-phase treatment to be sure we are answering all your questions and concerns.  

Phase I orthodontic treatment

Smiling young girl wearing palatal expander

When a young patient needs intervention before regular orthodontic treatment, they go through two distinct phases. Phase I often includes things like orthodontic devices such as palatal expanders, partial braces, and retainer-like devices. These devices are used to correct the issues currently happening, to prevent future issues, and to help adjust the child’s growth and dental development.

Phase I treatment happens between the ages of six and ten, so patients usually have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Phase I treatment is generally only recommended when there are dental development problems and/or jaw development problems that would steadily become worse if not treated.

While many children do not need treatment this soon in their lives, the American Association of Orthodontics, Dr. Craig and I recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by or before their seventh birthday. This way, we can see if any treatment does need to be implemented sooner rather than later. Having an early consultation with compassionate and friendly orthodontists like us is a wonderful first step in ensuring your child’s growth and dental development are headed in the right direction.

Phase I corrects a wide array of dental difficulties like tooth alignment, jaw development, gum or periodontal health, and crowding and spacing problems. Orthodontists also recommend Phase I treatment for common dental issues such as:

  • dental crossbites
  • skeletal crossbites
  • underbites
  • excessively overlapping or deep bites
  • open bites (situations in which the front teeth do not contact or overlap)
  • jaw growth or jaws that are not in proportion to each other
  • severely protruding teeth
  • the occurrence of challenging oral habits, such as extended thumb-sucking, bottle, or pacifier use
  • clefts
  • severe crowding or spacing of the teeth

Often, but not always, an additional treatment phase will be required after Phase I. Since Phase I provides early intervention (and can take a little time), Phase II usually doesn’t take as long as Phase I. By treating dental problems early, they can often be reduced to simpler issues which can be remedied at a later time with braces or orthodontic devices.

The resting period

Teeth will not yet be in their final positions once Phase I is done; the final alignment will be done in Phase II. Between these two phases, patients take a period of rest to wait for the remaining permanent teeth to erupt.

Phase II orthodontic treatment

Close up portrait of Smiling girl showing dental braces.

Phase II usually involves using Invisalign or upper and lower braces once the permanent teeth have erupted. Since not all tooth and bite-related issues can be fixed in Phase I, during Phase II, we really focus on ensuring each individual tooth has a specific, optimal place in the mouth. Orthodontics encourage a balance between your cheeks, tongue, lips, and teeth, so that all can function well together.

Post-treatment

After completing your two-phase treatment, Dr. Craig and I will recommend retainers to retain your results. Retainers are used to hold teeth in their new, permanent positions and help maintain your beautiful, straight smile.

Undergoing two-phase treatment with Craig & Streight Orthodontics

Two-phase treatment is not necessary for every child, but for those who require it, it can avert the need for more aggressive treatment later. Early treatment is always the most effective way to get permanent, enduring results.

If you have a child aged seven or under who has not had his or her first orthodontic evaluation, and live in the Norman, Mustang, or Oklahoma City area, contact us today to schedule an appointment at either one of our offices. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is eager to help you craft a gorgeous, healthy smile!

 

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Hilary D.
Patient & kind staff. My kids were stoked to get t-shirts & play games while waiting.
Michelle B.
Such great staff and extremely attentive to making sure my treatment is effective. Love coming in!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Michelle! We're thrilled to hear that our staff has made a positive impact on your treatment experience. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!
Rachel A.
We have been seeing Dr. Craig and Dr. Streight for about 18 months. They were recommended to us by several others, as well as our dentist. We have had a very positive experience. We are hopefully almost done, and our next child is starting to see them now as well. We are confident he is in good hands.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review!
Mike C.
Did us a solid job. We agreed on a price and they held up their end. No complaints.
Response from the owner:Hey Mike. Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we appreciate your support!
Vanessa Monik R.
First, I am extremely thankful and happy with the customer service here at Craig & Streight orthodontics! After going to a total of 3 different Orthos, I decided CSO was perfect for my needs. I was able to get my braces on same day and they tailored a payment schedule to my budget. Kari and Ryan listened to me and answered all my questions. Thank you everyone! A BIG Thank you to the gal that applied my braces. I look forward to this journey with CSO!
Response from the owner:Hi Vanessa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to meet your needs and make your journey with braces a positive one. Your kind words about Kari, Ryan, and our staff mean a lot to us. We’re excited to support you every step of the way!
Alyssa C.
My kids and I had a great experience! The staff was informative, the new technology was impressive, and the pricing was very reasonable. We were in and out quickly with a same-day consultation, and they were able to start the services my son needed right away. Plus, the fun arcade games kept the kids entertained while we waited. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Alyssa. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids enjoyed your visit and found our staff informative and our technology impressive. It's great to know that the quick service and entertainment options made your time with us enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back!
Jen K.
They are always encouraging and give her such positive feedback each time my daughter scans for her invisaline. Every step of the process has been excellent
Response from the owner:Hi Jen. Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s wonderful to hear that your daughter is receiving such positive encouragement throughout her Invisalign journey. We’re dedicated to making every step a great one, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the good work!
Susn J.
The best Orthodontist office you’ll ever find. Everyone goes above and beyond to help! Can’t imagine going anywhere else! The kids love going!
Response from the owner:Hi Susan. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids have such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care!
Rachel D.
We went in for a consultation after a horrible consultation with another orthodontist and let me say Dr. Craig and her staff are absolutely AMAZING!! My daughter was super hesitant after the previous encounter with the other orthodontist but the staff here at Craig and Streight are top notch! They immediately eased my daughter's mind with their kindness! Went in for a consultation walked out with braces and a great office to take care of her dental needs! Thank you!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Rachel. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Craig and our team were able to provide such a positive and reassuring environment for your daughter. It's wonderful to know that we could help ease her concerns and support her dental journey. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to care for your family's needs!
kammy B.
Very kind very observant always asking and answering questions best dentist visit I’ve had by far
Response from the owner:Hi Kammy. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made your visit so positive and engaging.
Jennifer M.
I’m on the Invisalign journey and 11 weeks in. The staff has been great on keeping me informed about my treatment. No matter your treatment plan - you can’t go wrong with this amazing team!
Response from the owner:Hi Jennifer. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team has been supportive and informative during your Invisalign journey. Your positive feedback motivates us to continue providing exceptional care. If you have any further thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out!
Jaycie J.
Dr.Craig did me and my sister braces many many moons ago (over 10+) and here I am now with my child getting his done by her. Her staff makes him feel comfortable and is always so professional. We love it here.
Response from the owner:Hi Jaycie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It’s heartwarming to see families returning for care over the years. We’re delighted to hear that Dr. Craig and the team continue to provide a comfortable and professional environment for you and your child. Your trust in us means a lot, and we look forward to creating more beautiful smiles together!
Kristi B.
I can’t say enough great things about my experience! From the moment I called to schedule, I felt welcomed and at ease. The staff is incredibly friendly, professional, and efficient — you can tell they genuinely care about their patients.

Dr. Craig took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all my questions, and made me feel totally comfortable throughout the consultation. The entire team’s attention to detail and commitment to providing top-notch care is truly impressive.

The office itself is modern, clean, and equipped with the latest technology, which made everything from x-rays to treatment planning seamless and quick. I was extremely impressed at how smooth the entire experience was.

If you're looking for an orthodontist who combines expertise, kindness, and a passion for creating beautiful smiles, look no further. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Kristi. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It’s heartening to hear that our team made you feel welcomed and comfortable from the very start. We take great pride in our commitment to patient care and are thrilled that you found our office modern and efficient. Your kind words about Dr. Craig and the staff truly inspire us to continue providing exceptional service. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again!
A Google U.
Each visit we experienced happy, efficient staff that took care of our boy!
Response from the owner:Hi Mindy. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that our team made each visit enjoyable and efficient for you and your son. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing excellent care.
Michael G.
They done a good job on helping my son get his teeth straight he got them off and they look pretty good
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your son’s teeth look great after his treatment. We appreciate your support!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

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Mustang, OK 73064
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