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,
esthetic 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 after 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 usually 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 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.
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