WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF TWO-PHASE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is as its name implies, a two-step process that takes into account the stage of development of the patient to optimize the treatment experience as well as the results. Two-phase treatment has the goal of providing the patient with the best functioning, healthy, and beautiful result that will remain stable throughout their life.

WHAT IF TREATMENT IS PUT OFF?

We do not recommend postponing treatment because such a decision could lead to more invasive treatment later in life and a less favorable result. Timely treatment is the most efficient method to achieve optimal enduring results.

PHASE ONE

A Foundation for a Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles

During Phase One treatment, the doctor seeks to guide jaw development to accommodate all of the patient’s permanent teeth while improving the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. It is common for children to show signs of jaw problems during the growth and development phase. For example, an upper jaw may be growing too wide or too narrow and be noticeable at an early age. Children who are over the age of six and exhibit this jaw discrepancy are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Children above age eight who exhibit crowding of the front teeth are also eligible for early treatment. In the case of crowding, patients who receive early treatment can avoid permanent extractions later in life.

• Planning now can save your child’s smile later

  Children benefit tremendously from early-phase treatment. Receiving early treatment may prevent the removal of permanent teeth later in life, or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws.

• Planning now can save you money and optimize your child’s results.

  Children receive important benefits from phase-one treatment. Children who receive phase-one treatment can often reduce or avoid permanent teeth extractions later in life. The jaws of children are still developing and can be guided to grow more harmoniously, therefore, the possibility of orthognathic surgery later in life.

• Making records to determine your child’s customized treatment plan

  Orthodontic records are essential to make an accurate diagnosis and establish all the details of your child’s treatment plan. These orthodontic records may consist of models of the teeth, X-rays, and even orthodontic photographs. Dr. Dunn will take records during your child’s initial consultation and discuss the possibility of early treatment depending on your child’s needs.

RESTING PERIOD

Once phase one of treatment is completed, your child will go into the resting period which is the time between phase one and phase two of treatment. During this time, the teeth are left alone to allow the remaining permanent teeth to erupt. Phase one of treatment will have created enough room for the permanent teeth to find their eruption path and avoid becoming impacted or displaced.

• Monitoring the teeth’s progress

  Once phase one of treatment is completed, the teeth are one step closer to being in their optimal positions but are not completely aligned yet. The second phase of treatment determines the teeth’ ideal positions and aligns them into their final positions. During the resting period, Dr. Dunn may ask you to come in periodically to observe your child’s eruption pattern and determine if the selective removal of one or more primary or baby teeth is necessary to enhance eruption.

PHASE TWO

Stay healthy and look attractive

During the second phase of treatment, the objective is to determine the optimal position for each tooth in the mouth to reach harmony between the lips, cheeks, tongue, and of course the rest of the teeth. Once there is harmony between the different parts of the mouth, the teeth should function perfectly together. Phase two usually requires the placement of full upper and lower braces, this phase of treatment usually lasts an average of 24 months. Once phase two is completed, Dr. Dunn will prescribe retainers to ensure that your child’s new and improved smile stays in harmony for years to come.