Orthododontic Treatments - Two Phase Treatment
Advantages of two-phase orthodontic treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening physical and facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic smile for your life.
First Phase Treatment
The goal of first phase treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children after age 7-8 are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they can be candidates for some types of early orthodontic treatment.
Plan Yourself
Children can benefit from an early phase of orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. A 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.
Monitoring Your Teeth's Progress
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.
Second Phase Treatment
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 most stable in correction.
Treatment & Retention
At the beginning of the first phase of treatment, 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. Sometimes further records are required before phase II treatment begins. The second phase of treatment is usually initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 18 - 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile for a lifetime.
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