Two Phase Treatment and Dentofacial Orthopedics

A Head Start on a Healthier Smile

At IKC Orthodontics, we believe early orthodontic care can make all the difference in your child’s long-term dental health and facial development. That’s why we offer two phase orthodontic treatment—a comprehensive approach designed specifically for growing children and teens. Led by Dr. Iris Kivity-Chandler, a trusted pediatric orthodontist in Toronto, our clinic focuses on early intervention and dentofacial orthopedics to guide your child’s growth in the right direction.

If your child is between the ages of 5 and 12, now may be the perfect time to explore whether a proactive approach can prevent more complicated issues in the future. Let’s walk you through what two phase treatment is, how dentofacial orthopedics in North York works, and why it’s such a valuable investment in your child’s future smile.

Call (416) 787-9060 to schedule your appointment

What Is Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Two phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines the principles of growth guidance and traditional braces to optimize both function and aesthetics. Unlike waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted, this method begins early, typically between the ages of 5 and 9, when your child’s jaw is still developing.

The treatment is divided into two distinct stages:

Phase One (Early Intervention): Focuses on jaw growth, bite correction, and the elimination of harmful oral habits.
Phase Two (Braces for Teens): Finalizes the alignment of teeth, bite, and overall aesthetics during the teenage years.

This approach isn’t just about straight teeth—it’s about guiding your child’s facial structure, ensuring healthy airway development, and building a balanced foundation for future orthodontic success.

Understanding Dentofacial Orthopedics

Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on guiding jaw growth and facial bone development, complementing traditional orthodontics, which primarily moves teeth. At IKC Orthodontics, we use this approach to identify and treat issues such as narrow palates, underdeveloped jaws, and imbalanced facial profiles in young children.

By using functional appliances, we can correct misaligned jaw positions, address breathing or airway challenges, and improve imbalances that affect speech, chewing, and overall facial harmony. When identified early, many of these skeletal concerns can be treated non-surgically, making dentofacial orthopedics a powerful, preventative solution for growing children in North York.

A Phase One – Building the Foundation (Ages 5 to 12)

During Phase One orthodontics, we intervene while your child’s bones are still flexible and responsive. This allows us to guide development in a way that’s simply not possible once growth slows during the teen years.

Key Goals of Phase One:

Use of Functional Appliances

We use custom-made devices designed to guide jaw development, widen the palate, and improve facial symmetry. These may include expanders, Herbst appliances, or other tools based on your child’s unique needs.

Correcting Harmful Habits

Habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use can cause lasting changes to the bite and jaw structure. We gently guide children in overcoming these patterns.

Expanding Narrow Jaws

A narrow upper jaw can lead to crowding, crossbites, and impacted teeth. By expanding the arch early, we create room for proper tooth eruption and alignment.

Improving Airway Health

Chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep disturbances may be signs of airway obstruction. Dentofacial orthopedic appliances can help open airways, improving both health and sleep quality.

By addressing these issues early, Phase One can significantly reduce the need for extractions, jaw surgery, or prolonged braces later on.

Phase Two – Perfecting the Smile (Ages 12–14)

Once your child’s permanent teeth have come in, we begin Phase Two—the fine-tuning stage that focuses on dental alignment and bite correction.

Goals of Phase Two Braces for Teens:

Straighten permanent teeth
Align bite for optimal function and comfort
Refine aesthetics for a confident, natural-looking smile

Because foundational issues have already been addressed in Phase One, this stage is typically shorter and more efficient. Many patients also report a smoother experience with braces thanks to their early treatment.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Early orthodontic treatment for kids goes beyond just creating a straight smile—it plays a vital role in promoting healthy development, boosting confidence, and preventing long-term issues. By addressing concerns early, treatment can support proper breathing and airway function, improve speech and oral habits, and reduce the risk of dental trauma by correcting protruding teeth. It also enhances self-esteem during critical developmental years, shortens the length and complexity of future orthodontic work, and helps guide facial growth for better harmony between the jaws and teeth. Ultimately, early intervention is a proactive, cost-effective step that safeguards your child’s oral health and overall well-being.

Signs Your Child Might Need Two Phase Treatment

Wondering if your child may benefit from early orthodontic care? Here are some signs to look for:

Difficulty chewing or biting
Mouth breathing or snoring during sleep
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
Crowded or misplaced teeth
Jaw that shifts, pops, or makes noise
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Speech difficulties or lisping
Facial imbalances (e.g., recessed chin, overbite)
Teeth that protrude or don’t come together properly

If you notice any of the above, it’s a good idea to schedule an orthodontic evaluation—even if your child still has baby teeth. The earlier we assess their development, the more options we have to guide it successfully.

Our Approach at IKC Orthodontics

At IKC Orthodontics, we take pride in offering child-centered, expert-led orthodontic care for families in North York and Toronto. Dr. Iris Kivity-Chandler brings decades of experience in pediatric orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, along with a reputation for gentle, thoughtful, and highly personalized care.

What Makes Us Different?

What sets us apart at IKC Orthodontics is our warm, child-friendly environment paired with a deeply personalized approach to care. We create customized treatment plans tailored to your child’s unique growth and developmental needs, while maintaining a strong parent-first philosophy that keeps you informed and involved at every stage. Our focus goes beyond correction, we prioritize prevention and education to ensure long-term success. Most importantly, we treat every child with the same kindness, compassion, and expertise we’d want for our own families, offering reassurance, guidance, and expert care every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is two phase orthodontic treatment and why is it recommended for kids?

Two phase orthodontic treatment is a proactive approach that begins in childhood to guide jaw growth and correct bite issues before all permanent teeth erupt. It’s recommended to address structural concerns early, minimize future complications, and reduce the need for extractions or surgery later on.

At what age should my child start early orthodontic treatment?

Most children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation around age 7. This allows your pediatric orthodontist in Toronto to assess jaw development and determine if early intervention—like phase one orthodontics—can help guide growth and prevent more severe issues down the road.

What is dentofacial orthopedics and how is it different from braces?

Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on correcting jaw growth and facial bone development in younger children, using appliances to guide the structure of the face. Traditional braces, which are used during phase two, focus on straightening teeth once the jaw is properly aligned.

How do functional appliances help with jaw development in kids?

Functional appliances for jaw development gently guide the growth of the upper or lower jaw to correct misalignments, improve airway function, and create room for incoming teeth. They’re most effective when used during active growth phases in childhood.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment for kids in North York?

Early orthodontic treatment for kids in North York can improve speech, breathing, and bite alignment while supporting healthy facial development. It also prevents more invasive treatments later, boosts self-confidence, and sets the stage for a shorter, more effective second phase with braces.

Does my child need two phase treatment if their teeth look straight?

Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, there could be underlying bite or jaw growth issues that aren’t visible. An evaluation with a pediatric orthodontist in Toronto can determine if early intervention is needed to address habits, airway concerns, or skeletal imbalances before they become more serious.

Schedule a Consultation in North York

At IKC Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer early orthodontic treatment for kids and phase two braces for teens in a calm, caring, and expertly run practice. Located in North York, we serve families across Toronto and beyond, providing flexible scheduling, easy communication, and a team that genuinely cares about your child’s health and happiness.

If you think your child might benefit from two phase orthodontic treatment or dentofacial orthopedics in North York, don’t wait. Early action can make a lifetime of difference.

Call (416) 787-9060 to schedule an appointment