What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?
Two-Phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process combining tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of two phase treatment is to optimize treatment to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.
Phase One- Setting the foundation
The goal of Phase-One treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of 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 avoid the need to extract permanent teeth later.
Resting Period
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to continue their development. 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 development of the remaining permanent teeth and facial growth
- 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
The goal of Phase-Two treatment 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 established. Certain types of appliances were used in phase-one to correct and realign the teeth and jaw. Phase-two begins when all permanent teeth have erupted. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.