About Two-Phase Treatment
Two-phase treatment, sometimes called early-phase treatment, takes advantage of a key window of jaw growth to set up the best possible tooth alignment later on. Correcting tooth and jaw position early can encourage healthier dental and facial development through the pre-teen and teen years.
Who Needs Two-Phase Treatment?
Not everyone does. By about age six, we can start to spot serious issues, such as an upper or lower jaw growing too much or too little. Children with severe alignment problems often benefit from an early round of treatment. Left alone, jaw discrepancies and crowding tend to worsen and can become too severe for braces alone. Stepping in early reduces the need for extractions and other complex, costly procedures later.
The benefits of two-phase treatment include:
- Improved health, function, and aesthetics
- Reduced need for extraction
- Reduced need for jaw surgery
- Improved airways
- A nicer smile
- Healthier facial growth potential
First Phase (Early Phase)
The first phase happens during the mixed dentition stage, when your child still has both baby and permanent teeth. This phase usually takes 12 to 18 months and addresses crowding along with functional and skeletal jaw issues to encourage a more balanced bite. It may combine appliances, such as a removable retainer plus braces on the permanent teeth already in place.
Resting Period
Between the two phases comes a rest period while we wait for the remaining permanent teeth to come in. We’ll still see you during this time, usually every 3 to 6 months, to track progress.
Second Phase
The second phase begins once all the permanent teeth have erupted and usually involves a full set of upper and lower braces. With the jaw in a better position and each tooth finding its space, we can often focus on the finishing touches, building a beautiful smile to last a lifetime.
Call our office to find out whether your child could benefit from two-phase orthodontics!