What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of two-phase orthodontic treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your son or daughter’s life.
What if two-phase orthodontic treatment is delayed?
Putting off two-phase orthodontic treatment can result in a need for more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your child’s smile. Early treatment is most effective for achieving lasting results.
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 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 can prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later.
Planning now can save your child’s smile later
Children benefit tremendously from early-phase treatment. Receiving early treatment may avoid the removal of permanent teeth later in life, or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws.
Making records to determine your child’s 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, X-rays, and photographs. During your little one’s initial consultation, Dr. Christopher West 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 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 enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.
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 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 was 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 appeared, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure your child retains his or her beautiful smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is two-phase orthodontic treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. This treatment, which is often recommended for children, is designed to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout their life. The first phase is designed to correct issues with jaw growth, tooth eruption, and address harmful oral habits. The second phase usually involves full braces and focuses on tooth alignment and bite correction.
What are the advantages of two-phase orthodontic treatment?
This treatment offers several benefits. Firstly, it can correct oral issues at an early stage, preventing severe problems in the future. It also reduces the need for tooth extraction and surgery later on. This treatment method often yields better results as it takes advantage of a child’s growth process to guide the development of the jaw and facial structure. It can correct bite issues, make room for crowded teeth, and improve facial aesthetics. Moreover, two-phase treatment can potentially reduce the time needed for a second phase of treatment during the adolescent years.
What happens if the two-phase treatment is delayed?
If the two-phase treatment is delayed, there may be complications or difficulties in correcting the dental issues. The aim of the two-phase treatment is to create a better environment for permanent teeth to grow and develop. Delaying the treatment could lead to the progression of underlying problems such as misalignment, crowding or spacing issues, which may become more complex and difficult to correct over time. Additionally, it may require more extensive treatment or even surgical procedures in the future. Also, it might result in longer treatment duration and higher costs.
What is Phase One treatment, and when does it begin?
Phase One treatment, also known as early interceptive treatment, is a type of orthodontic treatment for children that is initiated before all permanent teeth have erupted, typically between the ages of 6 and 10. This proactive approach helps to correct significant dental problems early on, reducing the risk of more complex treatment in the future. Phase One treatment often focuses on addressing issues such as jaw growth discrepancies, severe crowding, or harmful habits that can affect the development and alignment of the child’s teeth. The exact timing for starting Phase One treatment varies and is largely dependent on the individual child’s dental needs and development.
What is the "Resting Period" between the two phases?
The resting period between the two phases is often referred to as the ‘observation period’ or ‘supervision period’. This period can vary between six months to a couple of years depending on the individual’s specific treatment plan. During this time, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt naturally. The orthodontist monitors the patient’s progress and the development of their teeth and jaw to determine the best timing for the commencement of the second phase of treatment.
What does Phase Two treatment involve?
Phase Two treatment typically involves the application of braces or aligners to correct the alignment of the teeth. This phase is initiated after all of the patient’s permanent teeth have erupted. The goal of this treatment phase is to ensure each tooth is positioned in the mouth to allow proper cleaning, chewing, and speaking. The treatment can take anywhere from one to three years, depending on the severity of the misalignment. After the removal of braces or aligners, the patient will need to wear a retainer to keep the teeth in their new position.
At what age should my child be evaluated for two-phase treatment?
The ideal age for a child to be evaluated for two-phase treatment is around 7 years old. This is the age recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists, as it allows for early detection of any potential orthodontic problems. During this initial evaluation, the orthodontist can identify issues such as crowding, crossbites, and other alignment problems, and can determine the best time for treatment to begin, if needed. This proactive approach can often minimize the time spent in braces during the adolescent years.
How do I get started with two-phase treatment?
Getting started with two-phase treatment begins with scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. West. During this consultation, Dr. West will assess the patient’s oral health, alignment, and development, typically using X-rays or other imaging methods. If the Dr. determines that two-phase treatment is necessary, he will develop a personalized treatment plan. The first phase often involves the use of appliances such as expanders or partial braces to make room for permanent teeth and help correct jaw growth. This is followed by a rest period before the second phase, which usually involves full braces or aligners to move the teeth into their final positions. Patient’s commitment to following the instructions, keeping appointments, and maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for successful treatment.
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