What happens after Phase I Orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t happen all at once. It occurs in carefully timed phases designed to support your child’s growth and development. After completing early (Phase I) treatment, your child enters the observation phase, where we actively monitor changes in jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite development. This stage is just as important as treatment itself, allowing us to ensure everything is progressing as expected and to determine the ideal timing for the next step.

As your child grows, we also look beyond the teeth to evaluate overall health factors like breathing, airway development, and sleep quality. When the time is right, typically during a key growth period, we begin Phase II orthodontics to align the permanent teeth and finalize the bite. By carefully timing each phase, we can achieve the best possible results in the most efficient and stable way, helping your child develop a healthy, functional, and confident smile.

What Is the Observation Phase in Orthodontics?

The observation phase is an active monitoring period following early orthodontic treatment.

During this time, we evaluate:

• Jaw growth and facial development

• Eruption of permanent teeth

• Bite changes over time

• Airway patency 

Your child will be wearing a retainer to maintain the results of Phase I for some period of time, but it is normal and expected that the retainer will stop fitting about 1-2 years. If the permanent canines are already in or on their way in, we will say “No more retainers!”. 

During the observation visits, we will also be timing the beginning of Phase II orthodontics.

What Is Phase II Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase II is the final stage of treatment, typically involving braces or clear aligners to:

• Align all permanent teeth

• Finalize the bite

• Improve smile aesthetics and function

For most children who complete early orthodontic treatment, Phase II is expected. The key is timing it correctly.

Why Timing Matters for Phase II Orthodontics

This phase typically begins when a child enters puberty, which is their peak velocity of growth. Our goals of Phase II orthodontics are met more efficiently and predictably in this time period, since we are leveraging your child’s growth curve. 

The Role of Airway and Breathing in Orthodontics

Modern orthodontics goes beyond straight teeth; we also consider how your child breathes.

We monitor for signs of Sleep Disordered Breathing, which can affect both health and development.

Common signs include:

• Mouth breathing

• Snoring

• Restless sleep

• Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating

Research shows that breathing patterns can influence:

• Jaw development

• Facial growth

• Orthodontic stability

What was the point of Phase I?

Phase I orthodontics can help:

• Create space for the eruption of adult teeth in a non-invasive manner.

• Prevent canines from getting stuck and/or damaging adjacent teeth. 

• Decrease nasal obstruction.

Promote healthy growth of the face once orthodontic appliances are out of the mouth.

Signs Parents Should Watch For

At home, keep an eye out for:

• Snoring or noisy breathing

• Mouth breathing during the day

• Difficulty sleeping or frequent waking

• Behavioral concerns like fatigue or poor focus

If you notice any of these symptoms, let us know. We may recommend further evaluation.