Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment Approach
The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment begins with early detection in children. It is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical, facial changes to build and maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime.
Phase One
Your foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles
The goal of Phase-One treatment in children is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together.
Planning now may be able to save your smile later
Children benefit tremendously from early-phase treatment. Receiving early treatment may prevent the removal of permanent teeth later in life, or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws.
Making records to determine your treatment
Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine the type of appliances to be used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits.
Records consist of models of the teeth, X-rays, and photographs.
During your child’s initial consultation, your doctor will take records to determine if early treatment is necessary.
Resting period
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt.
Retaining devices may not be recommended if they would interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement.
A successful first phase will have created room for permanent teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced.
Monitoring your teeth’s progress
At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions.
This will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment.
Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase.
Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.
Phase Two
Continue on the path to a healthy smile
The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly.
Phase two usually involves full upper and lower braces. At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan were established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase to correct and realign the teeth and jaw.
The second phase begins when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.
We are here to answer any questions you have. Contact a practice near you!
