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, esthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.
What if I put off treatment?
There are certain problems that if not corrected at an early age can lead to bone and teeth problems that can only be fixed with more invasive action during Phase II.
First Phase Treatment: Your foundation for a lifetime of beautiful teeth
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 all 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. Phase I is also the correct time to correct dental habits and crossbites where the upper teeth are fitting inside of the lower teeth.
Monitoring your teeth's progress
At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. Patients still have the major growth period of their life remaining. Final correction of the bite and tooth alignment will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.
Second Phase Treatment: Stay healthy and look attractive
The second phase is initiated when all or almost all of your permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 18-24 months. 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.
