Two-Phase Treatment
At Taunton Orthodontics, we believe in providing the right treatment at the right time—especially for growing children. That’s why we offer Two-Phase Treatment, a specialized approach that guides jaw development early on and finishes with fine-tuning the alignment of permanent teeth during the teen years.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is ideal for children with certain developmental or bite issues that are best addressed while they’re still growing. Starting early allows us to create space, improve facial balance, and set the foundation for a stable, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
What Is Two-Phase Treatment?
Phase One: Early Interceptive Treatment
This phase typically begins between ages 7–10, when a child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth. During this phase, we may use expanders, space maintainers, partial braces, or Invisalign First to:
- Guide proper jaw and facial growth
- Correct bite problems (like crossbites or underbites)
- Create space for incoming adult teeth
- Reduce the need for future extractions or surgery
- Address habits like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing
After Phase One is complete, your child will enter a resting period, where we monitor their development and allow the remaining adult teeth to come in naturally.
Phase Two: Full Orthodontic Treatment
Once all permanent teeth have erupted (usually in the early teen years), we begin Phase Two. This stage typically includes full braces or clear aligners to:
- Perfect the alignment of teeth
- Fine-tune the bite and jaw position
- Ensure long-term stability and function
- Create a confident, healthy smile they’ll love for life
Because many of the big issues were addressed early in Phase One, Phase Two is often shorter, simpler, and more effective.
Why Choose Two-Phase Treatment?
- Provides better long-term outcomes
- Prevents more serious orthodontic problems later on
- Supports proper breathing, speech, and jaw function
- Builds confidence at an early age
- Reduces the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery
Our experienced orthodontists, Dr. Singer and Dr. Shapiro, evaluate each child individually to determine if two-phase treatment is necessary. Not every child will need it—but for those who do, starting early makes all the difference.
Early Intervention
Early intervention—also known as Phase One treatment—is the first step in our two-phase approach and is designed to address orthodontic concerns before all permanent teeth have come in. This phase typically starts between the ages of 7 and 10, while the jaw is still growing and more adaptable.
At this stage, we’re not just looking at how the teeth line up—we’re also evaluating jaw development, bite function, and facial symmetry. If we spot issues like crossbites, crowding, or habits that affect growth (like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting), early treatment can help us gently guide the smile in the right direction.
What early intervention can help with:
- Creating space for adult teeth to erupt properly
- Correcting jaw growth to improve bite alignment
- Reducing or eliminating the need for extractions later
- Preventing crowding or impacted teeth
- Addressing airway concerns or speech development
- Breaking harmful oral habits early
- Improving self-esteem during important developmental years
We use age-appropriate appliances—such as expanders, partial braces, or Invisalign First—to make treatment gentle, effective, and easy to manage for kids. Our warm, family-focused team makes sure young patients feel comfortable and confident at every visit.
Early intervention isn’t right for every child—but when it’s needed, it can make all the difference. Our doctors will always recommend what’s best for your child’s unique smile, timing treatment in a way that leads to the best long-term outcome.
Surgical Orthodontics
In some cases, straightening teeth alone isn’t enough to achieve a healthy, functional bite. That’s where surgical orthodontics (also known as orthognathic surgery) comes in. This specialized treatment combines orthodontics with jaw surgery to correct severe jaw misalignments, bite problems, and facial imbalances that can’t be resolved with braces or aligners alone.
At Taunton Orthodontics, we partner with trusted local oral and maxillofacial surgeons to create comprehensive, coordinated treatment plans for patients who need surgical intervention. Our expert team—led by Dr. Singer and Dr. Shapiro—will guide you through every step, from diagnosis to recovery, to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout the process.
When Is Surgical Orthodontics Needed?
Surgical orthodontics may be recommended for adult patients who have completed jaw growth and are experiencing:
- Severe overbites, underbites, or open bites
- Facial asymmetry or imbalance
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing
- Jaw pain or TMJ-related issues
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
- Conditions that affect jaw position or function
What to Expect from Treatment
Surgical orthodontics typically involves a combination of braces or aligners before and after jaw surgery. Your treatment may include:
- Pre-surgical orthodontics: Braces or aligners are used to align the teeth in preparation for surgery.
- Orthognathic surgery: Performed by a skilled oral surgeon, the jaw is repositioned to improve alignment, balance, and function.
- Post-surgical orthodontics: Additional refinement of your bite and smile to complete the transformation.
Thanks to modern technology and digital planning tools like iTero and DIBS AI, we can work with precision and efficiency to ensure the best possible outcome. Most patients report improved facial symmetry, enhanced function, and a major boost in confidence after treatment.
Surgical orthodontics may sound intimidating—but you won’t go through it alone. Our team is here to answer your questions, coordinate your care, and make sure you’re fully informed and comfortable from your first consult to your final result.
Retainers & Mouthguards
Your orthodontic journey doesn’t end the day your braces or Invisalign come off. To keep your smile looking its best, retainers and mouthguards play a key role in maintaining results and protecting your teeth from damage—both day and night.
At Taunton Orthodontics, we provide custom-fit retainers and athletic mouthguards for patients of all ages. Whether you’re fresh out of treatment or looking to protect your teeth during sports, we’ve got you covered with durable, comfortable solutions designed just for you.
Retainers: Keep Your Smile in Place
After braces or Invisalign, teeth have a natural tendency to shift—especially in the first year. That’s why wearing a retainer is essential for maintaining your new smile. We offer a variety of retainer options, all custom-made for your unique bite:
- Clear removable retainers (Essix-style) – discreet, comfortable, and easy to wear
- Fixed (bonded) retainers – placed behind the front teeth for continuous support
- Traditional Hawley retainers – durable and adjustable, with a wire across the front
We’ll recommend the best option based on your treatment and lifestyle, and we’ll give you detailed instructions on when and how to wear it. Lost or broken retainer? No problem—we can easily replace it with a new one.
Custom Mouthguards: Play Hard, Stay Protected
If you or your child plays a contact sport like hockey, lacrosse, baseball, or volleyball—which many of our patients do—a professionally fitted orthodontic mouthguard is a must.
Our custom mouthguards are designed to:
- Protect both braces and teeth during high-impact activity
- Fit comfortably and stay in place—unlike bulky store-bought options
- Prevent injuries like chipped teeth, cuts, and jaw trauma
- Allow for clear speech and easy breathing during play
For patients in treatment, we can also create special braces-friendly mouthguards that accommodate brackets and wires without interfering with performance.
Long-Term Smile Success Starts Here
Whether you’re wrapping up orthodontic treatment or hitting the ice this season, Taunton Orthodontics is here to keep your smile protected. Our retainers and mouthguards are crafted with the same care, precision, and quality you’ve come to expect from our team.
Need a new retainer or custom sports mouthguard? Contact us today to schedule an appointment—because your smile is worth protecting, on and off the field.