What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process
that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial
changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is
to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy,
functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout
your life.
What if I put off treatment?
The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent
teeth and having only one phase of treatment for someone
with a jaw discrepancy is facing the possibility of a compromised
result that may not be stable.
First Phase Treatment: Your foundation for a lifetime of
beautiful teeth
The goal of first phase treatment is to develop the jaw
size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and
to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Children
sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow
and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much
or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children
after age 6 are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they
are candidates for early orthodontic treatment.
Planning now can save your smile later
Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit
enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment
utilizing appliances that direct the growth relationship
of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can
be established, providing adequate room for eruption of
all permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent
later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding
and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower
jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent
teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe
to achieve an ideal result with braces.
Making records to determine your unique treatment
Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine the
type of appliances to be used, the duration of treatment
time, and the frequency of visits. Records consist of models
of the teeth, x-rays, and photographs.
Resting Period
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed
to erupt. Retaining devices are not usually recommended since
they may interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the
existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement while final
eruption of teeth occurs. A successful first phase will have
created room for teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise,
they may become impacted or severely displaced.
Monitoring your teeth's progress
In other words, 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 resting phase.
Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation
are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.
Second Phase Treatment: Stay healthy and look attractive
The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth
has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony
with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this
equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together
properly.
Movement & Retention
At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records
were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan established.
Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase,
as dictated by the problem. The second phase is initiated
when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires
braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers
are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful
smile. |
