At Busciglio Smiles, we believe early orthodontic care can make a big difference in your child’s long-term oral health. That’s why we offer two-phase orthodontic treatment at our Tampa offices — a specialized approach designed to guide children’s jaw growth and tooth development at the right time.
Led by Dr. Derek Busciglio, our team provides personalized orthodontic care for children and teens, ensuring healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Tampa Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is an approach that combines early intervention with comprehensive treatment in adolescence. By dividing care into two stages, we can address issues while the jaws are still developing and then fine-tune alignment later when permanent teeth have come in.
This method often leads to better results, shorter treatment times in the teenage years, and improved oral health for the future.
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase treatment is recommended for children who show early signs of orthodontic concerns that could worsen over time. Instead of waiting until all permanent teeth erupt, treatment is broken down into two parts:
Phase One: Early Interceptive Treatment
Phase one typically begins around ages 6–10, when a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The goal is to:
- Guide jaw growth for proper bite development
- Make room for incoming permanent teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits like thumb sucking
- Address crossbites, crowding, or protruding teeth early
Early intervention can help prevent more serious orthodontic problems later.
Resting Phase
After phase one, most children enter a resting phase. During this time, no active treatment is provided. Instead, the child’s development is monitored to allow permanent teeth to come in naturally. Regular check-ups at Busciglio Smiles help us track progress and decide the best time to begin the second phase.
Phase Two: Full Orthodontic Treatment
Phase two typically begins once most permanent teeth have erupted, usually between ages 11–13. During this stage, braces or clear aligners are used to:
- Align teeth properly for function and aesthetics
- Correct bite issues such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites
- Ensure long-term stability of results
Together, both phases create a healthier, straighter, and more balanced smile.
Who Needs Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment in Tampa, FL?
Not every child requires two-phase treatment, but it’s especially beneficial for those with:
- Severe crowding or spacing issues
- Crossbites, underbites, or overbites
- Narrow jaws or jaw growth concerns
- Protruding front teeth at risk of injury
- Oral habits that affect dental development
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At Busciglio Smiles, we can identify whether your child may benefit from a two-phase approach during this evaluation.
Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Two-phase treatment provides several long-term benefits, including:
- Improved jaw development and facial symmetry
- Reduced risk of needing extractions or surgery later
- More efficient treatment during the teenage years
- Better bite function and oral health
- Increased self-esteem during childhood and adolescence
By addressing orthodontic concerns early, two-phase treatment sets the foundation for a healthy, confident smile.
Why Choose Busciglio Smiles?
For over 50 years, Busciglio Smiles has been trusted by families in Tampa and surrounding communities for high-quality orthodontic care. Parents choose us for two-phase treatment because we provide:
- A board-certified orthodontist with decades of experience
- Customized treatment plans for children’s unique needs
- A caring, family-friendly environment
- Advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and planning
- Flexible scheduling and financing options for busy families
We believe early orthodontic care can create lasting results. Schedule your child’s two-phase treatment consultation at one of our Tampa offices today to set them on the path to a healthier, more confident smile.