What Is The Advantage Of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Two-phase treatment in orthodontics involves early intervention to help reduce the total treatment time. Two-phase treatment provides maximum opportunities to achieve the ideal functional, health, and aesthetic results. These processes also provide the surety of the results being stable throughout the life of the patient.

What if I put off treatment?

Procrastination in seeking orthodontic treatment by waiting for the permanent teeth and having a one-phase treatment may not produce the desired result. Furthermore, the total treatment time might take more time.

First phase treatment: your foundation for a lifetime of beautiful teeth

The main objective of first phase treatment is coordinating the timing of the loss of baby teeth and guiding the permanent teeth in their correct position. Many children display clear signs of future orthodontic problems while growing up. Proper orthodontic examination at an early age can help to identify these problems and ensure timely treatments. Children as young six years old can start orthodontic treatment.

Plan ahead to save your smile:

Early treatment can ensure the foundation is laid out for the correct growth and alignment of the facial bones. Orthodontic appliances help to direct the growth of the lower and the upper jaw in relation to each other. This also ensures that the permanent teeth have ample room to grow. This prevents the need for removal of permanent teeth later because of problems such as crowding. If not corrected at an early age, orthodontic treatment may require surgical procedures to align the two jaws properly and it may still not get the desired results due to severity of the condition.

Making records to determine your unique treatment:

Orthodontic records are essential to determine the treatment requirements such as the type of appliance needed, duration of treatment, and visits required. Records made consists of imaging and making models of your teeth prior to treatment.

Resting period:

This is the time period during which the permanent teeth start to appear in the mouth. Retaining devices are not recommended at this stage as they may hinder the eruption process. The final eruption of the permanent teeth requires freedom to position them correctly. First phase treatment ensures that the teeth find the right place to grow in the right alignment.

Monitoring your teeth’s progress:

If by the end of the first phase the teeth do not erupt in the desired position, the second phase of treatment will ensure that they are positioned correctly. At this stage removal of some primary teeth may be required to allow eruption of permanent teeth into their correct positions. Monitoring of your progress requires that recall appointments be made with our office so we can track your treatment.

Second phase treatment: Stay healthy and look attractive

The objective of the second phase is to make sure that all the teeth are in the correct position and the jaws are properly aligned. When this objective is achieved, the jaws and teeth will function in harmony.

Movement and retention:

The first phase starts off with the formulation of the treatment plan and the making of the orthodontic records. The types of appliances used at this stage are used according to the requirement of the condition. The second phase starts when all the permanent teeth take their final position after eruption and the need for braces arises. The average duration of treatment is two years but each cases varies greatly depending on a number of factor. After the braces are removed, retainers are worn to help you retain that beautiful smile.