What Is Two-Phase Treatment?
Waterford, Norwich, & Groton, CT
Phase One
Phase One treatment is usually focused on early prevention and addressing problems of the jaw and underlying bone while they are still developing. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child see an orthodontist by the age of seven because this is when teeth and bite development is at the stage where early problems can be detected. Early treatment allows for bone discrepancies to be addressed and jaw problems treated so that the jaw can fit together properly. Issues such as crowded teeth can also be corrected so that adult teeth can be accommodated as they grow in.
Resting Period
Between phases one and two, the patient takes a pause in treatment to allow their adult teeth to finish coming in. The position that the teeth erupt in will not be their permanent placement, as your orthodontist may make further changes during the second phase. However, the resting period gives your mouth time to finish developing teeth so that they can be properly aligned.
In the ideal situation, you may not need further treatment after phase one. However, if you do, the first phase will allow for the second to be less involved and detailed. If your arches were expanded during part one to allow for adult teeth to erupt, then you no longer need teeth removed in the second phase.
Phase Two
The second phase of Two-Phase Treatment is used to tweak and correct any problems that may have not been addressed or fixed by the first phase of orthodontic treatment. It usually occurs after all permanent teeth have developed and acquired a place within the mouth. Braces or Invisalign are usually implemented during this time to give each tooth a proper location and ensure they function in an optimal manner.
Braces or clear aligners can be worn for varying amounts of time, but are usually kept on for 12-24 months. Once they are removed, a retainer is made and worn to keep each tooth where it’s supposed to be!
