What Is Two-Phase Treatment?
Two-phase treatment is a specialized approach to orthodontic care delivered in two stages, separated by a resting period. The first phase guides jaw development in growing children, while the second phase aligns the permanent teeth. At Wire Orthodontics, our two-phase treatment in
Spokane, WA helps young patients achieve healthier, more functional smiles.
This approach works because children’s jaws are still developing between the ages of 6 and 10. During this window, Dr. Clint Wire, our board-certified orthodontist, can address skeletal issues that are far easier to correct now than in adolescence or adulthood. Phase one focuses on guiding jaw growth and creating room for incoming permanent teeth. After a resting phase, where we monitor your child’s natural development, phase two completes the alignment with braces or Invisalign.
By treating early, we can often reduce the likelihood of more invasive procedures later, such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery. Families across Spokane choose our family-owned practice because we build each plan around the individual child and take the time to explain each step. From your first visit to your final reveal, Dr. Wire personally guides your child’s care.
The Benefits of Two-Phase Treatment
Starting orthodontic care early offers advantages that go well beyond a straighter smile. When jaw and bite issues are addressed during active growth, the results are typically more stable and less complicated to maintain.
Here’s what early intervention can often accomplish:
- Helps correct jaw growth issues before they become more severe in the teen years
- May reduce the need for extractions or surgical correction down the road
- Creates space for crowded teeth by widening narrow arches or guiding eruption
- Improves bite function, including crossbites, underbites, and deep bites
- Shortens or simplifies phase two, often making later braces or Invisalign faster and easier
- Can support more balanced facial development by guiding upper and lower jaw growth
- Supports long-term oral health by reducing wear, trauma risk, and speech concerns
- Boosts confidence at an important developmental age, especially if front teeth protrude
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children who receive an evaluation by age 7 benefit from earlier identification of these issues, even if treatment is delayed. The goal isn’t to treat every child early. It’s to know which children truly benefit. For those who do, phase one treatment can change the course of their orthodontic care in meaningful, lasting ways.
The Two-Phase Treatment Process
In short, two-phase treatment unfolds across three stages. Phase one guides jaw growth and creates space during active development. A resting period then allows baby teeth to shed and permanent teeth to come in. Phase two finishes by aligning all permanent teeth with braces or Invisalign for a complete result.
The process is straightforward once you understand the role of each stage. Phase one addresses skeletal and developmental concerns during active jaw growth. A resting period follows to let remaining baby teeth fall out naturally. Phase two then aligns the full set of permanent teeth into their ideal positions.
Phase One: Early Interceptive Treatment
Phase one typically begins between ages 6 and 10. Dr. Wire may use appliances such as palatal expanders, space maintainers, or partial braces to guide jaw development. This phase usually lasts 6 to 12 months. The goal isn’t to perfectly straighten every tooth. It’s to create the right foundation for the permanent teeth still to come.
Resting Phase: Monitoring Growth
After phase one, your child enters a resting period that can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years. The remaining baby teeth shed and permanent teeth erupt during this time. We schedule periodic check-ups, usually every 6 months, to track progress and confirm everything is developing as planned.
Phase Two: Final Alignment
Once all permanent teeth have erupted, phase two begins, typically in the early teen years. This stage uses full braces or Invisalign to align the bite and finish the smile. Because phase one addressed the harder skeletal issues, phase two is often shorter and simpler than treatment would have been otherwise.
| Phase |
Typical Age |
Duration |
Focus |
| Phase One |
6 to 10 years |
6 to 12 months |
Jaw development, space creation |
| Resting Phase |
9 to 12 years |
1 to 3 years |
Monitoring eruption |
| Phase Two |
11 to 14 years |
12 to 24 months |
Final tooth alignment |
Who Is a Candidate for Two-Phase Treatment?
Not every child needs early orthodontic care, but some conditions are best addressed while the jaw is still growing. Dr. Wire evaluates each child individually to determine whether phase one treatment will offer real, lasting benefits. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 for this reason.
Your child may be a candidate if you notice any of the following:
- Crowding of the front teeth or not enough room for permanent teeth
- Crossbite when biting down, where upper teeth fit inside the lower
- Underbite with the lower jaw extending forward
- Protruding front teeth that may be at risk of injury
- Early or late loss of baby teeth that affects spacing
- Mouth breathing or difficulty closing the lips comfortably
- Jaw asymmetry or a shifted bite when closing
- Thumb-sucking or pacifier habits continuing past age 5
- Speech difficulties related to tooth or jaw position
We take the time to listen and explain at every appointment. If your child does need phase one treatment, we’ll walk you through exactly why, and we’ll do it in plain language you can follow. If they don’t, we’ll simply monitor their growth with no pressure and check in at regular intervals.
Why Choose Wire Orthodontics for Two-Phase Treatment in Spokane
Choosing the right orthodontist for your child matters, especially when treatment begins early. Families across Spokane and the surrounding area choose Wire Orthodontics because of Dr. Clint Wire’s training, the attention to detail you can trust, and the warm experience our team provides from the very first visit.
Dr. Wire is a board-certified orthodontist who earned his dental degree before completing advanced specialty training in orthodontics. He brings years of focused experience to every case. As a Certified Invisalign Provider, he offers families modern options alongside traditional braces. His personal involvement is at the heart of how we care for each patient.
What sets us apart is simple. We’re 100% family owned, you’ll see Dr. Wire at every visit, and we offer advanced monitoring options like DentalMonitoring to make care more convenient for busy families. From phase one appliances to retainers, we provide complete orthodontic care in a comfortable, child-friendly Spokane (South Hill) environment, with a second location in Liberty Lake for added convenience.
Two-Phase Treatment FAQs
At what age should two-phase treatment start?
Phase one typically begins between ages 6 and 10, while the jaw is still actively growing. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7. This visit doesn’t mean treatment will start right away, but it allows Dr. Wire to identify any issues early and recommend the best timing for your child.
How long does each phase last?
Phase one usually lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on the appliances used and the goals of treatment. The resting period that follows can range from 1 to 3 years as permanent teeth come in. Phase two, which involves full braces or Invisalign, typically takes 12 to 24 months to complete.
Does my child really need early treatment?
Not every child needs phase one care. Early treatment is recommended only when specific issues, like crossbite, severe crowding, or jaw asymmetry, will be significantly easier to correct now than later. Dr. Wire only recommends phase one when it offers a clear, lasting benefit for your child’s long-term oral health.
How much does two-phase treatment cost in Spokane?
Costs vary based on the appliances needed, treatment length, and your specific plan. During your free consultation at our Spokane (South Hill) office, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of fees and discuss flexible payment options. Every family deserves transparent pricing without surprises before any care begins, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with us.
Will my child still need braces in phase two?
In most cases, yes. Phase one addresses skeletal and developmental issues, but the permanent teeth still need to be aligned once they’ve all erupted. The good news is that phase two is often shorter and simpler because the foundational work has already been done during phase one.
Schedule Your Child’s Two-Phase Consultation
Early evaluation is one of the most valuable steps you can take for your child’s smile. If you’ve noticed crowding, bite issues, or jaw concerns, now is the right time to find out whether phase one treatment can help. We make the process easy, welcoming, and informative for parents and kids alike, every step of the way.
Schedule your child’s free consultation with Dr. Wire today. Our Liberty Lake and Spokane (South Hill) offices serve families throughout the area, and we’d love to meet yours. Call
(509) 892-9284 or book online to get started, and discover for yourself what we mean by exceptional treatment and amazing results.
