Two-Phase Treatment
What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines an initial, very limited Phase I orthodontic treatment when patients are in the mixed dentition (patient has some permanent teeth but still has several baby teeth). This is followed by a resting period untill all the permanent teeth erupt. At this time the patient is ready for the Phase II when they will start full braces treatment. 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 child's life and to intervene when certain problems start to develop.
What if treatment is put off?
Putting off treatment can result in a need for more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your child's smile.
Phase One
A Foundation for a Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles
The goal of Phase One treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper jaw that is growing too much or is too narrow can be recognized at an early age. If children over the age of six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Also, if children around the age of eight have crowded front teeth, early treatment may prevent the need for extractions of permanent teeth at a later age.
- Planning now can save your child's smile later
Resting Period
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt.
Early and Phase I treatments will have created room for permanent teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced.
- Monitoring the 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 the patient to enhance eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary.
Phase Two
Stay healthy and look attractive
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 II 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 requires braces on all permanent teeth. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure your child retains their beautiful smile.
