What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses both tooth straightening and jaw alignment. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish a healthy, functional and esthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.

First Phase Treatment: Your foundation for a lifetime of beautiful teeth

The goal of first phase (Phase I) treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. Upper or lower jaws that are growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children after age 6 are found to have a jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment.

Planning now can save your smile later

Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established, providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to achieve an ideal result with braces alone.

Making records to determine your unique 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 your teeth (digital), x-rays (digital panorex and cephalometric), and photographs (digital). Orthodontics has certainly entered the digital age!

Resting Period

In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. Retaining devices are not usually recommended since they may interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement while final eruption of teeth occurs. A successful first phase will have created room for teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced.

Monitoring your teeth's progress

At the end of the Phase I treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. Patients typically still have baby teeth to lose and permanent teeth to erupt. Final tooth positions will be determined in the second phase of treatment. Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing the eruption of the adult (permanent) teeth. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary. We like to see you every six months to monitor your growth and development.

Second Phase Treatment: Stay healthy and look attractive

The second phase (Phase II) of treatment is typically initiated when all the adult (permanent) teeth have erupted (ages 12-13 years old). The goal of the second phase (Phase II) 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 properly.

Movement & Retention

Retainers are worn after this Phase II orthodontic treatment to ensure you retain your beautiful smile for the rest of your life. We recommend night-time retainer use for many years after your braces are removed to prevent relapse.