Two-Phase Treatment
At Meier Orthodontics, we believe the best orthodontic results start with the right timing. That’s why we offer Two-Phase Treatment — a proactive approach to orthodontics that guides jaw development, improves oral health, and sets the stage for a beautiful, functional smile that lasts a lifetime.
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase treatment is a specialized process that combines early intervention with later comprehensive care. It’s used to:
- Correct developing bite or jaw issues
- Create room for permanent teeth
- Minimize the need for extractions or surgery
- Support natural growth and development
This approach takes advantage of key growth periods in childhood and adolescence to achieve results that may not be possible with treatment later in life.
Phase One: Early Intervention (Ages 6–10)
The first phase typically begins while a child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth. The goal of Phase One is to address problems early — before they become more complex. We closely monitor jaw development and bite alignment and, if necessary, use gentle orthodontic appliances or Invisalign First to guide growth and create space for permanent teeth.
Phase One may be recommended to:
- Correct crossbites, underbites, or open bites
- Help permanent teeth erupt in the right position
- Prevent overcrowding or spacing issues
- Improve jaw alignment and facial balance
- Address breathing or speech concerns
Treatment is usually followed by a resting period where we allow the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally.
Phase Two: Comprehensive Treatment (Typically Ages 11–14)
Once most or all permanent teeth have come in, Phase Two begins. This phase focuses on aligning the teeth, fine-tuning the bite, and creating long-term stability. At this stage, we may use braces or Invisalign Teen, depending on your child’s needs and preferences.
Goals of Phase Two:
- Final alignment of all permanent teeth
- Establishing a healthy, stable bite
- Enhancing function and long-term oral health
- Achieving a confident, lifelong smile
Thanks to the groundwork laid in Phase 1, this second phase is often shorter, more efficient, and delivers even better results.
Why Choose Two-Phase Treatment?
Two-phase treatment isn’t necessary for every child, but for those who need it, it can make a world of difference. By identifying and addressing issues early, we can:
- Prevent future complications
- Reduce the need for extractions or surgery
- Improve facial harmony and jaw development
- Boost confidence and function earlier in life
Our team at Meier Orthodontics will never recommend treatment unless it’s truly needed. If your child is a candidate for two-phase care, we’ll walk you through every step with honesty, clarity, and care.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, we can detect potential issues and determine whether early treatment is needed — or if it’s best to simply monitor growth.
If you’re ready to learn more about two-phase treatment or want to schedule your child’s first orthodontic check-up, our team is here to help. At Meier Orthodontics, we make early care comfortable, fun, and effective — because every great smile starts with a great foundation.
Airway Orthodontics
At Meier Orthodontics, we believe that a healthy smile starts with more than just straight teeth — it starts with a healthy airway. That’s why we take an integrative approach called Airway Orthodontics, which focuses on identifying and addressing issues related to breathing, jaw development, and facial growth in both children and adults.
Airway orthodontics helps us look beyond the teeth to understand how the way a person breathes can impact their overall health, sleep quality, and development.
What Is Airway Orthodontics?
Airway orthodontics is the practice of using orthodontic treatment to promote proper nasal breathing, optimal jaw positioning, and better airflow. It’s especially important during childhood when the face, jaws, and airway structures are still developing.
We look for signs of underlying airway issues such as:
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Daytime fatigue or trouble focusing
- Dark under-eye circles
- Narrow palate or crowded teeth
- Speech or feeding challenges
These symptoms can indicate that the airway is restricted — often due to underdeveloped jaws, enlarged tonsils, or improper tongue posture.
How We Help
Using advanced tools like 3D Cone Beam Imaging (CBCT) and comprehensive facial assessments, we can evaluate airway size, jaw development, and breathing patterns. If needed, we use early orthodontic intervention (such as palatal expanders, Invisalign First, or other appliances) to help:
- Widen the upper jaw and nasal passages
- Promote proper tongue posture and nasal breathing
- Improve facial symmetry and growth
- Create a healthier airway for better sleep and development
By addressing these issues early, we can often prevent the need for more invasive treatments down the line and give your child the best foundation for lifelong health.
Airway Orthodontics for Adults
Adults can also benefit from airway-focused orthodontics, especially if they experience:
- Obstructive sleep apnea or snoring
- TMJ pain or tension headaches
- Chronic fatigue or poor sleep
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
Through modern treatment options like LightForce braces, Invisalign, or other jaw alignment therapies, we can help improve both function and comfort — often in coordination with your physician, ENT, or sleep specialist.
At Meier Orthodontics, we’re proud to take a whole-health approach to care. Our goal isn’t just to create a beautiful smile — it’s to help you or your child breathe better, sleep better, and feel better every day.
Invisalign Bite Correction
At Meier Orthodontics, we go beyond straight teeth — we focus on total bite health and long-term facial development. As Certified Invisalign Mandibular Advancement (MA) Providers, we’re proud to offer a modern, comfortable solution for correcting overbites in growing teens and pre-teens.
What Is Mandibular Advancement?
Invisalign with Mandibular Advancement is an innovative treatment option designed to correct Class II malocclusions, commonly known as overbites, in children and adolescents who are still growing. Using clear aligners combined with small, built-in precision wings, this system gently positions the lower jaw forward over time, helping to improve bite alignment and jaw development without the need for bulky headgear or appliances.
Why Choose Invisalign MA?
Traditional bite correction in growing patients often requires cumbersome devices like Herbst appliances or elastics. Invisalign MA offers a sleek, effective alternative that blends seamlessly into a teen’s daily life.
Benefits of Invisalign Mandibular Advancement include:
- Corrects jaw misalignment and overbite as your child grows
- Uses clear, removable aligners — no metal wires or headgear
- More comfortable and discreet than traditional appliances
- Aligns teeth and guides jaw development simultaneously
- Improves both facial aesthetics and functional bite
- Makes oral hygiene easier with removable trays
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Invisalign MA is designed for growing patients — typically between ages 11 and 14 — who have a developing overbite or jaw imbalance. During your child’s consultation, we’ll evaluate their growth stage, bite, and overall alignment using iTero digital scanning and 3D imaging to determine if they’re a great fit for this treatment.
A Smarter, More Comfortable Way to Correct Overbites
As Certified Invisalign MA Providers, our team at Meier Orthodontics has the training and experience to deliver safe, predictable results with this advanced system. We’ll create a custom plan that gently improves both the alignment of your child’s teeth and the position of their lower jaw — all while keeping comfort and convenience front and center.
Retainers
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t end when the braces or aligners come off. In fact, the retention phase is just as important as active treatment. At Meier Orthodontics, we offer a full range of custom retainer options to help maintain your beautifully aligned smile for years to come.
Once your treatment is complete, we’ll guide you through the best retainer solution for your needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Why Are Retainers Important?
After your teeth have been moved into their ideal positions, they need time to stabilize. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back, especially in the first few months after treatment. Wearing your retainer as prescribed helps protect your investment and ensures your smile stays just right.
Types of Retainers We Offer
Invisalign Vivera Retainers
Made by Invisalign, Vivera retainers are strong, smooth, and custom-designed to fit your smile perfectly. These clear retainers are built to last and are ideal for patients who completed treatment with Invisalign or who prefer a discreet look.
Why patients love Vivera:
- Up to 30% stronger than other clear retainers
- Comfortable, precise fit based on 3D scans
- Nearly invisible and easy to wear
- Comes in sets for long-term use and easy replacement
In-House Retainers
One of the benefits of being a Meier Orthodontics patient? We have our own in-house lab! That means we can fabricate retainers directly in our office, ensuring a perfect fit and faster delivery, which is especially helpful if a retainer is lost or damaged.
Benefits of in-house retainers:
- Rapid turnaround times
- Custom fit using your digital scan—no goopy impressions
- Easy replacement without the wait
Essix Retainers
Essix retainers are similar in appearance to Invisalign trays. They’re made from clear plastic, fit snugly over your teeth, and are a popular choice for patients who want a subtle, removable option.
Essix benefits include:
- Discreet look with no wires
- Easy to remove for eating and cleaning
- Great for short- or long-term retention needs
Hawley Retainers
The traditional retainer many people recognize, Hawley retainers use a metal wire across the front teeth and a molded acrylic base that rests on the roof of your mouth or behind the lower teeth. These are highly durable and can be adjusted over time.
Hawley features:
- Long-lasting and easy to repair
- Available in fun colors or patterns for kids and teens
Bonded Retainers
Bonded retainers are thin wires that are permanently attached to the back of the front teeth. They’re a great option for patients who want continuous retention without having to remember to wear a removable retainer every day.
Ideal for:
- Long-term stability for lower front teeth
- Patients at higher risk of relapse
- Those who prefer a fixed solution
We’ll also show you how to clean around bonded retainers and keep them in great shape.
At Meier Orthodontics, we make retention simple, convenient, and completely personalized. Whether you need a retainer replacement or are finishing treatment, our team will guide you every step of the way to keep your smile looking its best.
Ready to protect your smile for life? Contact us today to schedule your retainer check, order a replacement, or learn more about your options for long-term smile success.
