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 advantages of a two-phase treatment are:

Maximize the opportunity to accomplish an ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout life.
To prevent a disfiguring facial appearance in the years prior to the orthodontist’s ability to commence comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
To minimize the length of treatment during the second, comprehensive phase of treatment.

What if I put off recommended Treatment?

The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and having only one-phase of treatment for someone with a jaw discrepancy is facing the possibility of a compromised result that may not be stable

Does every Orthodontic problem require two-phase treatment?

NO! Often it is more efficient, and the results are just as good, if the problem is monitored and corrected in a straightforward treatment when full eruption of teeth allows. Nonetheless sometimes early treatment is really important….to be on the safe side the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by an Orthodontic specialist by age 7.

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, x-rays, and photographs.

Phase I treatment

Often taking less than a year, phase I treatment may involve partial braces or removable appliances to resolve certain specific developmental problems.

Resting Period

In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. A successful first phase will have created room for teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced. Retainers may or may not be necessary during this period

Monitoring your teeth's progress

At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions as many permanent teeth have not even erupted yet. Final alignment will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment, which is almost always necessary. 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.

Second Phase 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 and be the most esthetically pleasing.

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 may require new diagnostic records and is initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires brace. After completion all patients will require retainers to maintain the final correction.