Two-Phase Treatment at Brazos Valley Orthodontics
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is an approach that involves two separate phases of treatment. The first phase typically occurs during childhood, while the second phase occurs during adolescence.
WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF TWO-PHASE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
Two-phase orthodontics aims to address dental issues early on before they become severe and require more extensive treatment later in life. The first treatment phase typically involves using orthodontic appliances, headgear, limited braces (brackets only on selected teeth), specialized retainers, expanders, or space maintainers, to guide the growth and development of the jaw and teeth. Doing this can help create a more favorable environment for the second phase of treatment, which typically involves braces to straighten the teeth.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical and facial changes. Two-phase treatment aims to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your child's life.
WHAT IF TREATMENT IS DELAYED?
Delaying treatment can sometimes result in a need for more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your child's smile. Early treatment is most effective for achieving lasting results.
PHASE ONE
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 too narrow can be recognized at an early age.
Dr. Gardner will evaluate the child's dental and facial development to identify issues requiring early intervention. These issues may include crowding or spacing of the teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, or problems with the growth and development of the jaws.
If children over six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they could be candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Also, if children around the age of eight have severe crowding of the front teeth, early treatment can prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later.
Planning now can save your child's smile later. Children can benefit tremendously from early-phase treatment. Early treatment may prevent permanent teeth removal later in life or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws.
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. During your child's initial consultation, the doctor will take records to determine if early treatment is necessary.
RESTING PERIOD
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt. 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.
At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. The final positions will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment. Selective removal of specific 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 second phase of treatment typically begins when the child's permanent teeth have fully erupted, usually around the age of 12 or 13. 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.
During this phase, the orthodontist will use braces or other orthodontic appliances to straighten the teeth and correct any remaining bite issues.
This phase usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers are worn afterward to ensure your child retains their beautiful smile.
Overall, two-phase orthodontic treatment can help to improve a child's dental health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Addressing orthodontic issues early on can also help prevent more serious dental problems from developing later in life.
Two-Phase Treatment in Brazos County
Are you concerned about your child's dental health or the appearance of their smile? If so, consider scheduling a consultation for two-phase orthodontic treatment with an orthodontist Bryan College Station patients trust at Brazos Valley Orthodontics in Brazos County.
Our experienced orthodontic team can evaluate your child's teeth and jaw development and create a personalized treatment plan to address any issues early on. By taking a proactive approach to your child's dental health, you can help to ensure that they enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. Don't wait — contact us today to schedule your child's consultation!
