When it comes to your child’s smile, early care can make a big difference. At Van Vliet & Ganz Orthodontics, we offer two-phase orthodontic treatment in Highland, NY — a proactive approach that helps guide jaw development and tooth alignment before problems become more complex.
Led by board-certified orthodontists and trusted by families throughout the Hudson Valley, we specialize in personalized care that supports growing smiles at every stage. Two-phase treatment is designed to maximize long-term results, improve function, and often reduce the need for more invasive procedures later in life.
Highland Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a strategic plan that combines early intervention with later comprehensive care. It’s especially effective for children showing signs of developing orthodontic issues — such as crowding, jaw misalignment, or bite problems.
By starting treatment while the jaw is still growing, we can take advantage of natural developmental changes to guide the smile into better alignment — setting the stage for long-term success.
Not every child needs two-phase treatment, but for the right patient, it can significantly improve outcomes.
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase treatment is exactly what it sounds like — orthodontic care delivered in two distinct stages, with a rest period in between. The goal is to first address skeletal or growth-related issues, and then move into full alignment once permanent teeth have fully erupted.
It’s a preventive and corrective method that allows us to influence jaw growth early, improve airway function, reduce the risk of extractions, and enhance the overall effectiveness of later treatment.
Phase One: Early Interceptive Treatment
Phase One typically begins between the ages of 7 and 10, when a child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth. The goal of this phase is to guide the development of the jaw and create the necessary space for permanent teeth to emerge properly.
Depending on your child’s needs, this phase may include:
- Limited braces on front teeth
- Expanders to widen the upper jaw
- Space maintainers
- Appliances to improve bite alignment or jaw positioning
- Airway-focused treatments to support healthy breathing and development
Phase One is tailored to your child’s specific concerns and may last anywhere from 9 to 12 months.
Resting Phase
After Phase One is complete, your child enters the resting phase. During this time, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt naturally without active orthodontic appliances.
This pause gives the body time to grow, while we monitor the smile and ensure everything is developing as expected. Some patients may wear retainers during this time, while others may not require any appliance at all.
Regular checkups during the resting phase help us decide when — or if — Phase Two should begin.
Phase Two: Full Orthodontic Treatment
Once all permanent teeth have come in (usually around ages 11–13), we begin Phase Two. This phase is what most people think of as traditional orthodontic treatment and may involve:
- Full braces or clear aligners
- Bite correction using elastics or appliances
- Final adjustments for alignment and aesthetics
- Long-term retention with custom retainers
Because much of the foundational work was already done in Phase One, this stage is often shorter and more efficient than starting treatment from scratch.
Who Needs Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment in Highland, NY?
Not all children need two-phase treatment — but for the right patient, early intervention can make a world of difference. During your child’s first orthodontic evaluation (recommended around age 7), we’ll look for key indicators that two-phase care might be appropriate.
This may include:
- Severe crowding or spacing issues
- Crossbite, underbite, or overbite
- Jaw growth that’s too narrow or asymmetrical
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Airway concerns (mouth breathing, snoring)
- Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
Early evaluation doesn’t always lead to early treatment — but it does give us valuable information that helps us plan the healthiest smile path for your child.
Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
For children who need it, two-phase treatment offers powerful long-term advantages:
- Guides proper jaw development
- Reduces the need for permanent tooth extractions
- Lowers the risk of impacted teeth
- Improves bite and function
- Addresses harmful oral habits early
- Supports healthy breathing and airway development
- Often results in a shorter and simpler second phase
Most importantly, it gives your child the best chance for a healthy, confident smile — one that functions properly and looks great for life.
Why Choose Van Vliet & Ganz Orthodontics?
At Van Vliet & Ganz Orthodontics, we’re more than just smile straighteners — we’re partners in your child’s long-term health. Our team of board-certified orthodontists brings decades of experience, with a focus on whole-face development, airway health, and age-appropriate care that puts your child first.
Families across Highland, NY and the Hudson Valley choose us because:
- We specialize in early orthodontic intervention
- We use advanced digital diagnostics (no goopy impressions)
- Our treatment is personalized, not cookie-cutter
- We offer a friendly, supportive environment for kids
- We focus on long-term stability and function, not just aesthetics
We believe every child deserves a smile that’s not only beautiful — but also healthy, functional, and set up for life.
Start Early, Smile Longer
If you’re considering two-phase orthodontic treatment in Highland, NY, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your child. At Van Vliet & Ganz Orthodontics, we focus on setting kids up for success — with care that grows with them, every step of the way.
Book a complimentary consultation today — and give your child a confident, healthy start.