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 healthy, functional, esthetic result that will remain stable.
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. Dr Hodges will discuss what these compromised results may be.
First Phase Treatment: Laying a better foundation for the future
Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children after age 6 are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they may be 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 alone.
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.
Resting Period
After the first phase treatment, your child will enter the resting period. In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. During this period, a retainer may be worn as prescribed by Dr. Hodges. Teeth may shift some during this period, which is normal for this transitional time.
Monitoring your teeth's progress
It is very important to understand that 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
During the first phase Dr. Hodges has very little if any control over the unerupted permanent teeth. If problems still exist after they grow in, further treatment will be required. 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. In most cases, a second phase of treatment will be needed to detail tooth and bite alignment. Usually the second phase of treatment will be for a shorter period of time because of the results achieved in your first phase.
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 commonly initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, and it usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months around 12-13 years of age. A separate fee will be quoted at that time. Retainers are worn after this final phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.