The Advantages of Two-Phase Treatment
Putting off treatment can lead to more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your child’s smile. Early treatment with Dr. Allison Tomlin is the best way to give your child lasting results and a smile they’ll love.
Phase One
Phase One treatment aims to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop.
An upper jaw growing too much or too narrow can be recognized at an early age. If children over six have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Also, if children around eight have crowded front teeth, early treatment can prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later.
Planning Now Can Save Your Child’s Smile Later
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. Two-phase treatment aims to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and esthetic result that will remain stable throughout your child’s life.
Children benefit tremendously from early-phase treatment at MWDS. Early treatment may prevent permanent teeth removal later in life or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws.
Making Records to Determine Your Child’s Unique Treatment
Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine the type of appliances to use, the treatment duration, and the frequency of visits.
Records consist of models of the teeth, X-rays, and photographs. During your child’s initial consultation, the doctor will take records to determine if early treatment is necessary.
Monitoring the Teeth’s Progress
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 phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually six months.
Phase Two
The second phase's goal is to ensure each tooth is in the best location in the mouth to be in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When we establish this equilibrium, the teeth will function together properly. Phase Two usually involves full upper and lower braces.
At MWDS, we make orthodontic records and establish a diagnosis and treatment plan at the beginning of the first phase. We may have used certain appliances to correct and realign the teeth and jaw.
The second phase begins when your child has all of their permanent teeth and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Your child will need to wear retainers after this phase to ensure they retain their beautiful new smile.