Two-Phase Treatment in Lynnwood, WA

Lynnwood Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

At Lynnwood Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide two-phase orthodontic treatment—a proactive and strategic approach to guiding your child’s smile as they grow. This treatment plan is ideal for children who show signs of orthodontic issues early on and benefits from timely intervention before all adult teeth are present.

Led by Dr. Cindy Fan, our Lynnwood practice focuses on personalized, age-appropriate care. With two-phase treatment, we can correct developing problems, reduce the need for future extractions, and set your child up for a healthier, more stable smile long term.

If your child is between the ages of 6 and 10 and you’re wondering whether early treatment is necessary, our team is here to guide you through every step with honesty, clarity, and expert support.

What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a carefully timed, two-step process designed to take advantage of a child’s natural growth to correct bite and alignment issues before they become more severe. It’s typically recommended for children who show signs of jaw irregularities, early bite issues, or crowding that may benefit from early intervention.

Unlike traditional orthodontic treatment, which often begins after all permanent teeth have erupted, two-phase treatment starts earlier to address foundational issues—then completes alignment later with full braces or clear aligners.

This approach allows us to guide jaw development, preserve space for erupting teeth, and set the stage for a more effective and shorter second phase.

Phase One: Early Interceptive Treatment

Phase One treatment typically begins between the ages of 6 and 10, while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. The goal of this phase is to address skeletal or developmental issues early, such as:

• Crossbites
• Underbites or overbites
• Jaw growth irregularities
• Severe crowding
• Habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing

During Phase One, Dr. Fan may recommend limited braces, expanders, or other orthodontic appliances to influence jaw development and create room for permanent teeth to grow in properly.

Early treatment doesn’t always eliminate the need for future orthodontics, but it can significantly reduce the complexity, length, and cost of Phase Two later on.

Resting Phase

After Phase One is complete, the resting phase begins. During this time, we’ll allow the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally while monitoring your child’s dental development with periodic checkups.

No active treatment typically occurs during this phase, but retainers or space maintainers may be used in some cases. This monitoring is important to ensure the progress made during Phase One is maintained and that we’re timing Phase Two correctly for optimal results.

Phase Two: Full Orthodontic Treatment

Phase Two begins once most or all of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted—usually between the ages of 11 and 14. The goal of this phase is to align all teeth into their ideal positions and create a functional, beautiful bite.

Common treatment options during Phase Two include:

• Traditional metal braces
• Ceramic (clear) braces
• Clear aligners like Angel Aligners

This phase typically lasts 12–24 months, depending on the complexity of your child’s needs and how well Phase One addressed earlier concerns. By the end of treatment, your child will have a healthy, stable bite and a smile they’ll feel confident sharing.

Who Needs Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment in Lynnwood, WA?

Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment, but some benefit greatly from it. Dr. Cindy Fan recommends that every child receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to determine if two-phase treatment is appropriate.

Your child may benefit from two-phase treatment if they show signs of:

• Early loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Jaws that shift, pop, or make sounds
• Crowded or misplaced teeth
• Protruding front teeth
• Speech difficulties
• Thumb sucking beyond age 5
• Crossbites, overbites, or underbites

Early diagnosis allows us to act at the right time—when treatment can be most effective and least invasive.

Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

Two-phase treatment offers several long-term advantages for growing children:

• Guides proper jaw development — Encourages better bone structure and facial symmetry
• Reduces risk of trauma — Especially for protruding front teeth
• Preserves space for permanent teeth — Minimizing future crowding or impaction
• Reduces the need for tooth extractions or surgery
• Improves bite function and comfort
• Enhances facial aesthetics and smile confidence

By addressing problems early and completing alignment later, we create a balanced, stable smile that supports long-term oral health.

Why Choose Lynnwood Orthodontics?

At Lynnwood Orthodontics, we believe in making treatment decisions based on your child’s individual needs—not a one-size-fits-all formula. Dr. Cindy Fan is an experienced orthodontist who understands the unique timing and strategy required for two-phase care.

Here’s why families in Lynnwood choose us:

• Gentle, child-focused care — We make visits comfortable and positive for young patients
• Early evaluations and honest guidance — No unnecessary treatment—just what’s truly needed
• Customized plans — Every treatment is tailored to your child’s growth and smile goals
• Modern technology — Digital scans, 3D planning, and precise appliance fabrication
• Local convenience — We’re right here in Lynnwood and proud to serve our community

We’re here to be a trusted partner in your child’s orthodontic journey—from first exam to final smile.