Two phase orthodontic treatment

About Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment in two phases, also called "early phase therapy", is a specialized process that takes advantage of a critical period of jaw development to maximize the potential for successful alignment of the teeth in the future. In some cases, correcting the placement of teeth and jaws earlier, creates more satisfactory growth of teeth and face during adolescence and pre-adolescence.

Who needs two-phase treatment?

Not everyone needs two-phase orthodontic treatment. At the age of six, we can begin to identify serious malignancies, for example, an overgrowth of the upper or lower jaw. Children with severe alignment problems can benefit significantly from an early stage of orthodontic treatment. If left untreated, jaw discrepancies and tooth crowding are likely to worsen over time and can become very serious so they can only be treated effectively with braces. Early orthodontic intervention reduces the need for exports and other complex, costly procedures later.

Overall, the benefits of two-phase treatment are:

  • Improving health, function and aesthetics.
  • Reduced need for extraction.
  • Reduced need for jaw surgery.
  • Breething improvement.
  • A better smile.
  • Proper facial development potential.

Treatment Phases:

First phase (early phase)

The first or early phase of treatment takes place during the mixed dental phase. This simply means that the child has both permanent and new teeth. During this treatment phase, which usually lasts 12-18 months, we correct problems such as crowding and functional and skeletal problems of jaw to encourage a more balanced bite. Treatment may include a combination of devices, for example, a removable retainer along with braces, on existing permanent teeth.

Second Phase

The second phase of treatment begins as soon as all the permanent teeth grow. It usually includes a complete set of braces for the upper and lower jaw. Because the jaw is in a better position and every permanent tooth has found the right space, often at this stage we can only focus on aesthetics, building a beautiful smile to last a lifetime.

Call us to find out if your child can benefit from two-phase orthodontics!