You might hear us talk about "Phase 1" and "Phase 2."
Phase 1 happens early (ages 7-10) when a child still has baby teeth. The goal isn't perfect straight teeth yetâit is to fix the foundation. We might use an expander to widen a narrow jaw or partial braces to fix a damaging crossbite.
Phase 2 happens later (ages 11-13) once all permanent teeth are in. This is the "finishing touch" to get that perfect smile. Not every child needs Phase 1, but for those who do, it prevents surgery or extractions later!