What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?

The biggest advantage is that certain types of treatment can be accomplished at an early age, which may not be obtained when the patient is older. The best examples are: Lower arch crowding elimination, which avoids the removal of permanent bicuspids in 97% of patients.

Expanding the upper arch (when needed) to proportionally match it with the facial width. This creates a more balanced smile.

Severe dental protrusions of the upper arch are best treated in “stages”. In certain cases (where the child is self-conscious of his/her look), early treatment may enhance self-esteem.

When Treatment is delayed

Upper lateral incisors were severely damaged due to lack of early detection of eruption pattern

Uncorrected, severe crowding may result in the removal of four bicuspids. There is no shame in extracting teeth, but why do it if it can be avoided? Large protrusions of the upper teeth may result in chipped or broken anterior teeth. Any psychological advantage to having straight teeth is lost or postponed. Keep in mind that most children are not aware of their problem except in the more severe cases.

First Phase Treatment: Your foundation for a lifetime of beautiful teeth

My goal for early treatment is to get the arch length (eliminating crowding) correct as well as the arch width. I want to see only teeth when my patients smile not dark corners.

 

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. 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 six-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 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.