Two-Phase Treatment
A Strategic Approach for Growing Smiles
At Vivid Orthodontics, we believe that the right care at the right time can make all the difference—especially when it comes to growing smiles. That’s why we offer Two-Phase Treatment, a proactive orthodontic approach designed to guide jaw development, create space for permanent teeth, and reduce the need for more invasive treatment later on.
Two-phase treatment is typically recommended for children who show early signs of bite issues, crowding, or jaw imbalance. By beginning care at a younger age—usually between seven and ten—we can use the natural growth process to our advantage.
Phase One: Early Intervention
The first phase focuses on correcting significant structural or functional issues while your child’s mouth is still developing. Using appliances like expanders, partial braces, or clear aligners (such as Invisalign First), we can:
- Guide jaw and facial growth
- Create space for permanent teeth
- Improve bite alignment
- Address habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
This phase typically lasts 9–12 months and is followed by a resting period, during which we monitor growth and allow remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally.
Phase Two: Final Alignment
Once all permanent teeth are in, we begin the second phase—usually during early adolescence. This phase is focused on fine-tuning the alignment and bite for long-term function, comfort, and aesthetics. Most patients will wear braces or clear aligners during this stage, typically for 12–24 months, depending on individual needs.
Why Choose Two-Phase Treatment?
Two-phase treatment isn’t right for every child—but for those who need it, the benefits can be significant. It allows us to address issues early, reduce the need for extractions or surgery, and set the stage for a healthier, more balanced smile that lasts a lifetime.
Our board-certified orthodontists will evaluate your child’s smile and let you know if two-phase treatment is recommended. We’ll walk you through the process with complete transparency—no pressure, just honest guidance you can trust.
Wondering if your child could benefit from early orthodontic care? Schedule a free consultation today at our Oshkosh, Appleton, or Wautoma location. We’re here to support your child’s smile—at every stage of growth.
Airway Orthodontics
At Vivid Orthodontics, we look beyond just straight teeth—we focus on how the jaw, teeth, and airway all work together to support total health. Airway orthodontics is a specialized approach that addresses structural issues in the mouth and jaw that may contribute to breathing difficulties, sleep-disordered breathing, or even obstructive sleep apnea.
In children, early orthodontic intervention can help correct narrow arches, small jaws, and improper tongue posture—common causes of restricted airways. In adults, we may identify bite or jaw alignment issues contributing to chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or poor sleep quality.
Signs your child or teen may benefit from airway-focused care:
- Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Frequent waking or daytime fatigue
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Crowded teeth and narrow dental arches
Through advanced diagnostics like CBCT imaging and careful evaluation, we design personalized treatment plans that not only improve smile aesthetics but also support better breathing, sleep, and overall wellness.
If your child has been diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing—or you’re noticing signs of airway issues—we’re here to help with compassionate, whole-patient care.
Gummy Smile Treatment
Do you or your child feel self-conscious about a smile that shows too much gum tissue? You’re not alone—and the good news is that we offer gummy smile treatment to help bring balance and harmony to your smile.
A “gummy smile” occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth. This can be caused by several factors, including:
- Overactive upper lip muscles
- Excessive gum tissue or short teeth
- Abnormal tooth eruption
- Jaw alignment issues
At Vivid Orthodontics, we offer customized solutions to address the underlying cause of your gummy smile. Depending on your unique case, treatment may include:
- Orthodontic treatment to move the teeth and jaw into a more aesthetic position
- Lip repositioning therapy
- Collaboration with your general dentist or a periodontist for laser gum contouring or other cosmetic enhancements
We take a conservative, personalized approach—focusing not just on cosmetic outcomes, but also on maintaining healthy, functional teeth and gums. With the right plan, you can achieve a smile that looks as confident as it feels.
Multi-Disciplinary Treatment
Some orthodontic cases require more than straightening teeth—they require a team-based approach to fully restore function, health, and aesthetics. At Vivid Orthodontics, we proudly offer multi-disciplinary treatment in partnership with your general dentist, oral surgeon, periodontist, or other dental specialists to deliver seamless, comprehensive care.
Multi-disciplinary treatment may be necessary when orthodontics is just one part of a larger plan to improve oral health or prepare for restorative procedures like:
- Dental implants
- Crowns or bridges
- Periodontal treatment
- Full-mouth rehabilitation
We often collaborate on cases involving tooth loss, impacted teeth, jaw alignment issues, or pre-prosthetic orthodontics. Our team will coordinate closely with your other providers to ensure all aspects of your care are aligned—from diagnosis and planning to treatment and follow-up.
Whether you’re preparing for cosmetic enhancements or complex restorative work, we’ll make sure your orthodontic treatment is designed to support the long-term success of your overall dental health.
Surgical Orthodontics
When orthodontic issues go beyond what braces or aligners alone can fix, surgical orthodontics—also known as orthognathic surgery—may be the key to restoring proper function and achieving facial harmony.
Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adult patients with severe bite discrepancies, jaw misalignment, or skeletal irregularities that affect chewing, speech, breathing, or appearance. This treatment involves a combination of orthodontic care and jaw surgery, performed in partnership with a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Common reasons for surgical orthodontics include:
- Underbite or overbite not correctable with braces alone
- Facial asymmetry or jaw imbalance
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or speaking
- Chronic jaw pain or TMJ disorders
- Obstructive sleep apnea due to jaw structure
At Vivid Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontists will carefully evaluate your case using advanced diagnostics like CBCT imaging to determine if surgery is necessary. If so, we’ll coordinate every step of your care—before, during, and after surgery—to ensure optimal results and a smooth, supportive experience.
Surgical orthodontics can dramatically improve both your appearance and quality of life—and we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and compassion.
Growth & Development Monitoring
At Vivid Orthodontics, our commitment to your child’s smile doesn’t start when they get braces—it starts much earlier. Through our Growth & Development Monitoring program, we provide ongoing, expert guidance from the time of your child’s first orthodontic evaluation (usually around age seven) through their adolescent years and beyond.
Even if your child doesn’t need treatment right away, regular monitoring allows us to track important changes in their dental and facial development. By identifying issues early—such as crowding, bite misalignment, or jaw growth concerns—we can create a more effective and efficient treatment plan when the time is right.
Our Growth & Development Monitoring includes:
- Check-ins every 6–12 months
- Digital scans and X-rays as needed to track growth
- Bite and jaw evaluations to spot developing problems early
- Personalized guidance for parents—no guesswork, no pressure
This proactive approach helps reduce the need for extensive treatment later and gives your child the best chance at a healthy, confident smile. And because these appointments are free of charge, they’re a smart and accessible way to stay ahead of potential problems.
We believe in building relationships with our patients and families early, so when the time comes for treatment, your child already feels comfortable and confident in our care.