Two Phase Treatment is a specialized type of orthodontic treatment that targets children that may be otherwise destined for severe orthodontic conditions, thus leading to malocclusions (bad bites). Orthodontic treatment is administered in two phases rather than the traditional singular phase in an effort to achieve tooth straightening as well as physical facial changes that will last a lifetime for your child. Contact us today to learn more and to set up a free orthodontic consultation at one of our locations in Chesterfield, or O’Fallon!
The Advantages of Two Phase Treatments
The advantage of using a two-phase treatment plan for your child’s orthodontic treatment is that it allows for maximum opportunity to create a lasting healthy smile for your child. Putting off orthodontic treatment and waiting for your child’s permanent teeth to completely erupt, opting for only a one-phase treatment has the disadvantage of potentially missing a jaw discrepancy that may be harder to correct later on, with compromised results that may be unstable.
First Phase of Treatment
The first phase of orthodontic treatment will let the orthodontist develop your child’s jaw structure to the optimal size, allowing the accommodation of future permanent teeth. Further, the orthodontist will be able to arrange the upper and lower jaws to line up correctly as children occasionally exhibit early signs of jaw issues as they grow. Early recognition of such problems allows an orthodontist to correct them, thus making orthodontic treatment later in life much simpler or even potentially unnecessary.
The first phase of orthodontic treatment includes:
- Early planning – Due to their constant growth, children can benefit immensely from two-phase treatment because it allows the orthodontist the chance to anticipate any problems and direct the growth relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Early correction often mitigates more serious orthodontic conditions down the road and can prevent the need for permanent teeth to be removed.
- Making records – Compiling records is necessary to determine the nature of the orthodontic treatment required, such as which appliances will be most appropriate, the approximate length of time and the frequency of office visits.
- Resting period – The resting period allows your child’s remaining permanent teeth to erupt. With success, the first phase of orthodontic treatment should have created room for the teeth to come through without being crowded or otherwise impacted.
- Monitoring progress – The first phase of orthodontic treatment lays the foundation for the second phase, as teeth will not be in their final positions just yet. Our orthodontists will usually monitor every 6 months for observation, and to confirm teeth are growing as they should.
Second Phase of Treatment
The purpose of the second phase of orthodontic treatment is to ensure every tooth has a solid location, and the teeth are correctly aligned, with the jaw, lips, cheeks, and tongue functioning properly and collectively.
- Teeth movement and retention – Once all the permanent teeth have erupted, the second phase can begin. While the first phase may have used appliances to correct whatever issue was present, the second phase usually finds braces in place for about 24 months depending on the severity of the orthodontic conditions. After the need for braces has finished, retainers are worn to retain the new teeth placement.
Contact Us Today To Learn More About Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment Options
Orthodontic treatment is not merely a means of obtaining a pretty smile. Indeed, orthodontic treatment improves malocclusions, which are a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions can have a profound effect on not only your child’s smile, but also the way he/she chews, swallows, or even speaks. Contact us today to learn how an orthodontist can help to make sure your child’s mouth is developing as it should!