Bristol Two‑Phase Orthodontic Treatment
At Westfall Orthodontics, we specialize in two‑phase orthodontic treatment in Bristol, VA—a strategic approach designed to manage early oral development and ensure the healthiest, most balanced smiles. This dual‑stage process is ideal for younger patients who benefit from early intervention, followed later by comprehensive treatment when appropriate.
Our board‑certified orthodontists, Dr. Chad Westfall and Dr. Ian Weaver, are recognized experts in growth‑friendly treatment. They craft customized two‑phase plans that support facial development, address airway and bite concerns early, and complete alignment with precision when the full set of permanent teeth arrives.
Serving Bristol and nearby communities across Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee, and Western North Carolina, Westfall Orthodontics offers personalized care, modern technology, and supportive guidance every step of the way.
What Is Two‑Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two‑phase treatment is a two‑part approach to orthodontics:
- Phase One addresses early developmental concerns (usually between ages 7–9), guiding jaw growth, arch development, or correcting severe bite issues.
- Phase Two occurs around age 11–14, once most adult teeth are present, providing full orthodontic care to finish alignment, bite, and aesthetics.
This method allows doctors to manage more complex patterns proactively and often reduces the total duration of full treatment later. At Westfall Orthodontics, our two‑phase approach is about timing, precision, and long‑term success.
Phase One: Early Interceptive Treatment
Phase One focuses on correcting developmental issues such as:
- Jaw discrepancy or crossbite
- Severe crowding or spacing
- Functional appliances to guide growth
- Airway concerns, mouth breathing, or tongue posture issues
- Eruption guidance, especially for impacted or misaligned adult teeth
The goal is to proactively address these concerns while facial structures are still flexible—and often reduce the need for extractions or complex orthodontics later.
Resting Phase
After Phase One, your child enters a “resting phase,” allowing time for adult teeth to emerge and growth patterns to stabilize. During this period, we monitor development with periodic check‑ups, ensuring emerging teeth are aligned properly—without active treatment—until the time is right for Phase Two.
Phase Two: Full Orthodontic Treatment
Phase Two begins once most permanent teeth have erupted (typically ages 11–14) and involves full orthodontic alignment using braces or clear aligners. Because Phase One has addressed growth patterns and created space for adult teeth, full treatment is often shorter, more efficient, and achieves superior long-term stability.
These combined phases help ensure balanced facial growth, improved airway, and final alignment with less disruption.
Who Needs Two‑Phase Orthodontic Treatment in Bristol, VA?
This approach is recommended if your child exhibits:
- Early bite problems or jaw imbalance
- Crowding or crossbite before age 10
- Airway or breathing concerns like mouth breathing or snoring
- Early loss of baby teeth or persistent thumb‑sucking
- Mild to moderate jaw asymmetry or functional chewing issues
Even if Phase Two isn’t immediately necessary, early evaluation (by age 7) gives us the chance to plan proactively—and decide if two‑phase treatment may yield better results.
Benefits of Two‑Phase Orthodontic Treatment
- Guides jaw development for healthier growth
- Reduces the risk of severe tooth crowding
- May avoid extractions or corrective surgery later
- Improves airway and breathing in developing children
- Often reduces overall treatment length in adolescence
- Creates more balanced facial aesthetics
- Allows better timing of treatment around school and social life
Two‑phase treatment is both art and science—a trusted path to longer-lasting health and confidence.
Why Choose Westfall Orthodontics?
At Westfall Orthodontics, we bring world-class expertise and local heart to every two‑phase case:
- Board‑certified doctors with specialized training in pediatric and growth‑friendly orthodontics
- Nationally recognized leadership—Dr. Westfall teaches airway and interceptive techniques to orthodontic residents nationwide
- Advanced diagnostics—including CBCT, digital bite scanning, and growth projection modeling
- Family‑focused care environment—modern, welcoming clinic, caring team, and therapy dog Molly on site
- Comprehensive evaluation and guidance—we help parents understand timing, importance, and realistic expectations
- Community commitment—trusted by families throughout Southwest Virginia and beyond
When early orthodontic care is needed, we’re here to guide families with clarity, trust, and long-term vision.