What is two-phase orthodontic treatment?
Occasionally, a patient's orthodontic treatment is divided into a customized two-phase treatment plan designed to combine straightening of the teeth with jaw and facial development. Phase I typically begins when the patient is between the ages of 6 and 10 and still has some of his or her baby teeth and often includes preventative or interceptive treatment to help correct tooth alignment or direct jawbone growth. Phase II generally takes place between the ages of 11 and 14 after a "resting period" and involves placing braces on all of the permanent teeth to straighten the teeth and finish properly aligning the patient's jaws.
Our patients benefit greatly from two-phase treatment when it is necessary. Receiving early treatment may help prevent the removal of permanent teeth later in life or the need for surgical realignment of the upper and lower jaws after growth and development is complete.
Phase I Treatment
The first phase of two-phase orthodontic treatment typically takes 12 months or less and occurs when the patient is a child and still has some of his or her baby, or primary, teeth. The goal of Phase I orthodontic treatment is to help the jaws develop in a way that will allow it to accommodate all of the patient's permanent teeth and improve the way that the upper and lower jaws fit together. A Phase I treatment plan often involves the placement of an orthodontic appliance to correct issues with tooth alignment or help direct jawbone and facial growth.
The "Resting Phase"
Once Phase I treatment objectives have been met, we prefer to allow our patients to enjoy a "resting phase" before entering Phase II orthodontic treatment. During the "resting phase," we will continue to monitor growth and development and wait until the majority of remaining permanent teeth have come in.
Phase II Treatment
We typically begin Phase II orthodontic treatment between the age of 11 and 14 once most or all of the patient's permanent teeth have come in. The goal of Phase II treatment is to make sure that each tooth has a specific location within the mouth so that the jaws fit together correctly and the teeth all function properly. Phase II generally lasts between 18 and 24 months and involves the placement of full upper and lower braces to accomplish this goal.
What if I put off early orthodontic treatment?
Putting off recommended two-phase treatment until growth and development is complete may result in the need for more complex and invasive treatment later in life. If you have any questions about two-phase treatment or if this type of orthodontic treatment plan might be right for your child, please contact our office. We would be happy to schedule a free new patient consultation with Dr. Newell and to discuss all of your options with you.