About Orthodontics
Two-Phase Treatment
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, and aesthetic result that will
remain stable throughout your life.
What if I put off treatment?
The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and
having only one phase of treatment for someone with a jaw discrepancy is
facing the possibility of a compromised result that may not be stable.
First Phase Treatment: Your foundation for a lifetime of beautiful teeth
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 older than age 6
are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early
orthodontic treatment.
Planning now can save your smile later
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.
Making records to determine your unique treatment
Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine the type of appliances
to be used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits.
Records consist of models of the teeth, x-rays, and photographs.
Resting Period
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt.
Retaining devices are not always recommended since they may interfere with
eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of
movement while final eruption of teeth occurs. A successful first phase will
have created room for teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise, they may
become impacted or severely displaced.
Monitoring your teeth's progress
In other words, 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 6 to 12 month basis.
Second Phase Treatment: Stay healthy and look attractive
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. Movement & Retention
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 the first phase, as dictated by the problem. The second phase is
initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces
on all the teeth for an average of 18 to 24 months. Retainers are worn after
this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.
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