Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
What Is the Advantage of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines airway diagnosis, tooth straightening, and physical and facial development. The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to achieve an ideal, healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that remains stable throughout your child’s life.
What Happens If Treatment Is Put Off?
Delaying orthodontic treatment can result in the need for more invasive procedures later in life. In some cases, delayed treatment may not fully correct your child’s smile or breathing concerns. Early treatment is often the most effective way to achieve long lasting, stable results.
Phase One
A Foundation for a Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles
The goal of Phase One treatment is to guide jaw development so there is enough room for all permanent teeth and to improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often show early signs of jaw growth issues as they develop.
An upper jaw that is too narrow or growing improperly can often be identified at an early age. Children over the age of three with jaw discrepancies may be candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Additionally, children around age eight who have crowded front teeth may benefit from early treatment to help prevent the need for permanent tooth extractions later.
Planning Now Can Save Your Child’s Smile Later
Children benefit greatly from early phase treatment. Receiving orthodontic care early can reduce or eliminate the need for extractions or surgical procedures to realign the jaws later in life.
Making Records to Determine Your Child’s Unique Treatment
Orthodontic records are necessary to determine the appropriate appliances, treatment duration, and visit frequency. These records typically include models of the teeth, X-rays, and photographs.
During your child’s initial consultation, the doctor will evaluate whether early treatment is recommended. Taking records to determine if Phase One treatment is necessary is an important part of the orthodontic process.
Resting Period
During the resting period, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt naturally. Retaining devices may not be recommended if they could interfere with eruption. Allowing the teeth some freedom of movement helps guide proper development.
A successful first phase creates space for permanent teeth to erupt into proper positions. Without this space, teeth may become impacted or severely displaced.
Monitoring Tooth Eruption
At the end of Phase One, teeth are not yet in their final positions. Final alignment occurs during Phase Two treatment. In some cases, selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may help improve eruption during the resting phase.
Periodic recall appointments are necessary to monitor progress, typically scheduled every six months.
Phase Two
Stay Healthy and Look Attractive
The goal of Phase Two treatment is to position each tooth in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and surrounding teeth. When this balance is achieved, the teeth function properly together and contribute to a healthy, attractive smile.
Phase Two usually involves full upper and lower braces. Since records, diagnosis, and treatment planning were completed during Phase One, the second phase focuses on precise tooth positioning.
Phase Two typically begins once all permanent teeth have erupted and often requires braces for an average of twenty four months. After braces are removed, retainers are worn to help maintain the final results and protect your child’s smile.