Phase 2 Orthodontics, or Stage 3, represents the final step in your child’s developmental orthodontic journey, when all the adult teeth are in. During this phase, we focus on refining tooth alignment, optimizing the bite (occlusion), and creating a balanced, beautiful smile that functions as well as it looks.
This phase utilizes clear aligners—such as CandidPro® or Invisalign®—to gently guide the teeth into their ideal positions. Because the foundational and muscle-based work has already been completed in earlier stages, treatment during this phase focuses primarily on the final aesthetic details and fine-tuning how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
At this point, your child’s oral muscles should already be well-trained through prior myofunctional therapy and use of the Myobrace® appliance during Phase 1. The goal is for these healthy habits—proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, and correct swallowing patterns—to be fully established so that continued appliance use is no longer needed.
With CandidPro®, we are able to monitor progress remotely using convenient smartphone scans, which reduces the number of in-office visits while maintaining close oversight of tooth movement. Cranial therapy is still available and used as needed to ensure balance and comfort throughout treatment.
Aligners at this stage are typically worn most of the day, except while eating or brushing, and it is especially important to maintain excellent oral hygiene to protect the teeth and gums during treatment. Once alignment goals are achieved, your child will transition to nighttime retainers to maintain their beautiful results as the smile stabilizes.
Phase 2 Orthodontics is the finishing touch—bringing together the structural, functional, and aesthetic goals established in earlier phases to create a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how clear aligner therapy can complete your child’s orthodontic journey.