- Early intervention today means a simpler, healthier path for your child tomorrow
- What Exactly is Two-Phase Orthodontics?
- Is Your Child a Candidate?
- The DeQuattro Roadmap: How It Works
- DeQuattro Orthodontics Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Expert Care for Rhode Island’s Growing Smiles
- Book Now
- Related Treatments
Early intervention today means a simpler, healthier path for your child tomorrow
As a parent, you want to give your child every advantage. When it comes to their dental health, timing is everything. At DeQuattro Orthodontics, Dr. Frank DeQuattro and Dr. Isabel Chung-Leng use a Two-Phase Treatment approach to guide jaw growth and ensure permanent teeth have the room they need to emerge correctly.
By visiting our office early on, we can often prevent the need for more invasive procedures — like tooth extractions or oral surgery — down the road.
What Exactly is Two-Phase Orthodontics?
Think of Two-Phase treatment as a "foundational" approach. It is a specialized process that combines tooth alignment with facial physical changes. The goal is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your child’s life.
The Benefits of Being Proactive
- Guide Jaw Growth: Normalize the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
- Make Space: Ensure there is room for incoming permanent teeth to prevent "impaction" or severe crowding.
- Boost Confidence: Address protruding teeth that may be prone to injury or cause self-consciousness.
- Simplify Phase Two: Early work often makes the second phase of braces or Invisalign® treatment faster and easier.
Is Your Child a Candidate?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first visit to the orthodontist by age seven. We agree, and while many children won't need immediate treatment, early screening allows our team to monitor growth.
Signs your child might benefit from early intervention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth.
- Difficulty biting or chewing.
- Thumb-sucking habits that continue after age five.
- Crowded or misplaced teeth.
- Jaws that shift or make sounds.
The DeQuattro Roadmap: How It Works
We believe in transparency, so you’ll always know exactly where your child is in their journey.
Phase One: Building the Foundation (Ages 7-10)
In this stage, we focus on the jaw and supporting structures. We may use palatal expansion or limited braces to make sure the "foundation" of the smile is wide and healthy. But not always. Every child is different, so every approach is different.
The Resting Period: Letting Nature Work
Once Phase One is complete, we provide retainers and let the remaining permanent teeth erupt naturally. During this time, Dr. DeQuattro and Dr. Chung-Leng will see your child for occasional "observation" visits to monitor progress at no extra cost.
Phase Two: The Finishing Touches (Ages 11-14)
Once all permanent teeth are in, we begin the final alignment. Because we did the heavy lifting in Phase One, this stage is usually much smoother and focuses on perfecting the bite and aesthetics.
DeQuattro Orthodontics Reviews
Awesome staff extremely friendly! scheduling is never a problem and they are always happy to give a detailed explanation of what will be happening with your dental treatments, I recommend to every one that might be considering braces or Invisalign as well as share my experience
First, there are old school video games in the waiting area! Second positive is the clear professionalism, but with a laid back atmosphere; created by the friendly front desk staff and all other people who work here. I feel confident that I’m being heard and receiving excellent care. The staff works really well as a team and I was told Dr. DeQuattro is an engineer as well as an orthodontist, which seems like a really solid combination for the tasks at hand. My oldest son and I are patients, and we both love it.
We have had a great experience at this office- always greeted and helped promptly upon entering the office by a friendly face and always leave well informed by the dental assistants. Everyone here made this process from pre-braces to post-braces go smooth. Would definitely recommend to anyone in the area.
Positive experience at DeQuattro. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable without being pushy. Their office is clean and well-run. I appreciate that my appointments actually start on time.Very satisfied with the treatment received and results. The staff's professionalism was a difference maker. Id recommend to friends looking for orthodontic work.
I can’t say enough great things about DeQuattro Orthodontics and the exceptional care my son has received, especially from Rafael. From the moment we started the process, Rafael has been attentive, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. He always takes the time to explain each step of the treatment, making sure my son feels comfortable and confident. The personalized attention and genuine care Rafael provides have made a world of difference in my son’s orthodontic journey. The entire team at DeQuattro Orthodontics is professional and friendly, creating a warm and welcoming environment. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking top-notch orthodontic care!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why not just wait until they are teenagers?
Waiting until all permanent teeth are in can sometimes mean "the window of opportunity" for guiding jaw growth has closed. Addressing a narrow jaw or a severe overbite at age 8 is much easier (and more comfortable) than trying to fix it at age 15.
Will my child still need braces in Phase Two?
Most likely, yes. However, Phase Two is typically much shorter and less complicated because we already created the necessary space and jaw alignment in Phase One. Some patients may also be candidates for Invisalign® clear aligners for this second phase.
Does insurance cover this?
Many dental plans have orthodontic benefits that apply to both phases. Our dedicated team will help you maximize your benefits and set up a flexible payment plan that fits your family's budget.
Expert Care for Rhode Island’s Growing Smiles
Dr. DeQuattro has guided hundreds of children in Narragansett, South Kingstown, and across Rhode Island through this process. He combines advanced technology, like the iTero™ scanner with a gentle, "family-first" approach that makes kids feel brave and parents feel informed.
