Phase 2 Braces for Children and Teens in Apex
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Phase 2 orthodontic treatment uses braces to align permanent teeth, improve bite relationships, and complete corrections planned during earlier dental development. Braces appointments at Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics are available by appointment with the practice’s orthodontic care provider.
Treatment recommendations are based on tooth position, jaw relationships, facial growth, oral health, and the child or teen’s individual needs.
What Are Phase 2 Braces
Phase 2 typically begins after most or all permanent teeth have erupted. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected by archwires that apply controlled forces to guide tooth movement.
Braces can address crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and other alignment or bite concerns. Some patients begin Phase 2 after early intervention, while others start orthodontic treatment with Phase 2.
Benefits of Braces
Controlled Tooth Movement
Fixed brackets and wires provide continuous control over individual tooth position and the relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
Broad Treatment Capabilities
Braces can address straightforward alignment needs as well as more complex rotations, crowding, spacing, and bite relationships.
Consistent Wear
Because braces remain attached to the teeth, treatment does not depend on remembering to insert an appliance each day. Patients must still follow instructions for elastics, hygiene, food choices, and appointments.
Did You Know…
A longitudinal study of children followed from ages 11 to 15 reported an average 71.6% reduction in Peer Assessment Rating scores following orthodontic treatment. Lower scores represented improvement in the severity of the evaluated alignment and bite concerns. European Journal of Orthodontics
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Why Choose Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics?
The Braces Process
1
Complete the Evaluation
The provider evaluates tooth alignment, bite relationships, jaw development, oral health, and treatment goals. Records may include photographs, digital scans, and dental imaging.
2
Place the Braces
Brackets are attached to the teeth and connected with an archwire. The patient receives instructions for cleaning, food choices, elastics, and managing temporary soreness.
3
Adjust and Retain
Regular appointments allow the provider to monitor tooth movement and make planned adjustments. After braces are removed, retainers help maintain the new tooth positions.
“Phase 2 treatment is planned around the permanent teeth, bite, and remaining facial growth. When braces are recommended, coordinated dental and orthodontic care helps us monitor both tooth movement and oral health throughout treatment.”
Dr. Michael Kim
Read Verified Reviews From Apex Parents
“My kids have been going to this practice since they were toddlers, and having one doctor who understands their complete dental history and growth patterns has made such a difference. Dr. Kim treats them like they’re his own children and recommends only what’s truly necessary. The convenience of having both their regular checkups and orthodontics in one place has been a game-changer for our family.”
“What impressed me most was how honest the doctor is about treatment recommendations. He explained exactly why each step was needed and never pushed unnecessary procedures. Having someone I trust completely managing both my kids’ dental and orthodontic care gives me peace of mind. The staff is incredibly kind and patient with nervous children.”
“We switched practices specifically because we wanted someone who could handle both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. The continuity of care is amazing, and our kids actually look forward to their appointments. The whole team treats every patient like family, and the clinical expertise is evident in every interaction.”
Research-Reported Findings for Adolescents With Fixed Braces
Adolescents Reporting No Concern About Appliance Appearance
90.1%
Adolescents Reporting No Teasing Related to Treatment
87.4%
Adolescents Reporting No Difficulty Sleeping
82.7%
Average Improvement in Evaluated Alignment and Bite Severity
71.6%
Adolescents Reporting No Difficulty Pronouncing Words
68.7%
Adolescents Reporting No Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing
67.3%
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| Braces Finding | Percentage | What the Research Shows |
|---|---|---|
| No concern about appliance appearance | 90.1% | In a study of 364 adolescents ages 13 to 18 wearing fixed orthodontic appliances or retainers, 90.1% reported no concern about the appearance of their appliance. |
| No teasing related to treatment | 87.4% | Most adolescents in the same study reported that they had not experienced teasing related to their orthodontic appliance. |
| No difficulty sleeping | 82.7% | More than four out of five participants reported no sleep difficulty associated with their appliance. |
| Improvement in alignment and bite severity | 71.6% average reduction | A longitudinal study following children from ages 11 to 15 reported a 71.6% average reduction in Peer Assessment Rating scores after orthodontic treatment. |
| No difficulty pronouncing words | 68.7% | Approximately two-thirds of adolescents reported no difficulty pronouncing words while wearing their appliance. |
| No difficulty chewing or swallowing | 67.3% | Approximately two-thirds of participants reported no difficulty chewing or swallowing during treatment. |
Sources: Ahmed, El-Zawahry, and El-Sharaby, “Impact of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances on Day-to-Day Life Experiences Among Adolescents,” BMC Oral Health, 2026; Birkeland, Bøe, and Wisth, “Relationship Between Occlusion and Satisfaction With Dental Appearance in Orthodontically Treated and Untreated Groups,” European Journal of Orthodontics, 2000; American Association of Orthodontists, “How Do Braces Work?”.
Key Findings About Braces
Phase 2 is not limited to children who completed Phase 1. Some patients begin orthodontic care after most permanent teeth have erupted and do not require earlier intervention.
Treatment time varies by case. Tooth position, bite complexity, growth, missed appointments, broken appliances, oral hygiene, and elastic wear can all affect the timeline.
Temporary soreness is expected. Teeth may feel tender after braces are placed or adjusted, but discomfort generally improves as the mouth adapts.
Oral hygiene requires extra attention. Brackets and wires create additional areas where plaque and food can collect, making careful brushing and interdental cleaning important.
Food choices help protect the appliances. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can loosen brackets or distort wires and may interrupt planned tooth movement.
Retention is part of treatment. Teeth can shift after braces are removed, so wearing retainers as directed is necessary to maintain the corrected positions.
Schedule a Braces Consultation
Phase 2 braces consultations are available by appointment at Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Apex. Families can schedule an evaluation to discuss treatment needs, timing, appliance options, and retention.
Questions Apex Families Ask About Braces
What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?
Phase 1 addresses a specific bite, growth, spacing, or eruption concern while a child still has primary teeth. Phase 2 generally begins after most permanent teeth have erupted and focuses on comprehensive tooth alignment and bite correction.
Who provides braces treatment at the practice?
Phase 2 braces visits are available by appointment with the practice’s orthodontic care provider. The pediatric dental team continues monitoring the patient’s oral health and preventive needs during treatment.
How long will my child or teen need braces?
Treatment time depends on the complexity of the case, growth, tooth movement, appliance care, elastic wear, and appointment attendance. A personalized estimate is provided after the evaluation.
Do braces hurt?
Braces may cause temporary pressure or soreness after placement and adjustments. This discomfort is usually most noticeable during the first few days and improves as the teeth and surrounding tissues adapt.
What foods should be avoided with braces?
Patients should avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets and wires. Foods such as apples, carrots, and crusty bread can often be eaten safely when cut into smaller pieces.
Will my child need a retainer after braces?
Yes. Retainers help hold the teeth in their corrected positions after braces are removed. The provider will explain which retainer is recommended and how frequently it should be worn.