Before starting treatment, ensure your child’s teeth and gums are healthy. Schedule a dental check-up to address any cavities or gum issues. It's also helpful to prepare your child mentally by explaining the process and how it will help their smile. Encourage good oral hygiene practices to support the treatment.

The duration of Phase 1 treatment varies based on the child’s specific needs but typically lasts between 12 and 18 months. This early phase focuses on guiding jaw growth, addressing crowding, and creating space for permanent teeth. Your orthodontist will monitor progress closely during this period.

Common appliances in Phase 1 treatment include expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers. Expanders help widen the upper jaw to accommodate teeth properly, while partial braces help correct alignment. These appliances are customized to your child’s needs and work to prevent more severe issues later.

Phase 2 treatment may be necessary once all permanent teeth have erupted, usually in the early teenage years. While Phase 1 addresses foundational issues, Phase 2 fine-tunes the alignment and positioning of the permanent teeth. The need for Phase 2 treatment will depend on the results achieved in Phase 1 and your child’s continued dental development.