Two-Phase Treatment
What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life with proper retainer wear as prescribed by your orthodontist.
What if I put off treatment?
Sometimes, waiting for complete eruption of the permanent teeth can make orthodontic treatment more difficult for the patient or may compromise the treatment result. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by the age of seven. A consultation at that point does not necessarily mean the patient will need treatment at that time. However, the orthodontist can recommend the best time to begin treatment to maximize treatment benefits, treat problems he or she sees at the time, and minimize further treatment difficulties. The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and having only one phase of treatment for someone with a jaw discrepancy or any other severe orthodontic problem is facing the possibility of a compromised result that may not be stable.
The First Phase of Treatment: Your foundation for a lifetime of beautiful teeth
One goal of the first phase 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. Please note, however, that an early phase of treatment does not necessarily guarantee that all of the permanent teeth will be able to fit into the patient's mouth. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children after age 6 are found to have this jaw discrepancy or other orthodontic problems, 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 the 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 the teeth, digital x-ray images, and digital photographs.
Resting Period
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. Retaining devices may or may not be needed during the resting period. Your orthodontist will recommend the best course of action during this phase of treatment. 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 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.
The Second Phase of Treatment: 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.
Movement & Retention
At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase, as dictated by the problem. The second phase is typically initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 22 months. Retainers are worn after this phase indefinitely to ensure you maintain your beautiful smile.
