What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening with physical and facial development. The goal is to create the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your child’s lifetime.
What happens if treatment is delayed?
Waiting too long can mean more invasive treatment later that may not fully correct the problem. Early intervention produces the most lasting results.
Phase One
A Foundation for a Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles
Phase One focuses on guiding jaw development so that it can properly accommodate all permanent teeth and improve how the upper and lower jaws work together. Children often show early signs of jaw problems as they grow. An upper jaw that’s too narrow or growing too much can be identified early. Children over six with this type of jaw discrepancy, or children around eight with crowded front teeth, are good candidates for early treatment to prevent complications later.
- Planning now protects your child’s smile later
Early treatment can prevent the need to remove permanent teeth or undergo surgical jaw procedures as an adult.
- Records help determine the right approach for your child
Orthodontic records — including tooth models, X-rays, and photographs — are used to determine which appliances to use, how long treatment will take, and how frequently visits are needed. These records are taken at your child’s initial consultation.
Resting Period
During this phase, remaining permanent teeth are left to erupt naturally. Retaining devices may not be used if they would interfere with eruption. It’s important to give the permanent teeth space and freedom to come in properly. A successful first phase creates a pathway for permanent teeth to erupt — otherwise they may become impacted or displaced.
- Monitoring your child’s progress
At the end of Phase One, teeth are not yet in their final positions — that’s what Phase Two is for. Some baby teeth may be selectively removed to improve eruption during this phase. Periodic check-ins, typically every six months, are scheduled to monitor progress.
Phase Two
Stay Healthy and Look Your Best
Phase Two ensures that each tooth is placed precisely where it can function in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and all other teeth. When this balance is achieved, your bite works properly and your smile looks its best. Phase Two typically involves full upper and lower braces.
At the start of Phase Two, all permanent teeth have erupted and full braces are placed for an average of 24 months. The second phase builds on the foundation set in Phase One, refining the final position of every tooth. Retainers are worn after Phase Two to protect your child’s beautiful results.
