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 use growth patterns to accomplish the ideal, healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.

The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth, thereby missing an opportunity to receive Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is that results can be compromised and/or permanent tooth extractions may be necessary.

Your foundation for a lifetime of beautiful teeth  The goal of Phase 1 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, normally by six or seven. If children after age six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment.

Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, which utilizes appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. This allows for a good foundation to be established, providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth. 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.

In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. Retainers are usually recommended but not always as they may interfere with eruption of the permanent teeth. If a Transitional Retainer is given, they will be adjusted periodically to help guide new erupting teeth into a better position. Erupting teeth will still grow in a little rotation or misaligned, but the jaws are the correct size and position. During the observation appointments, Dr. Beaber will be able to gauge at what time patients are ready for Phase 2 of treatment.

In other words, at the end of the Phase 1 treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. This will be determined and accomplished during Phase 2 treatment, once all permanent teeth have erupted. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis. Phase 2 will correct all of the rotated misaligned teeth to perfection. The length of the resting period depends on a child’s growth and eruption pattern. It typically ranges from a few months to several years when all of the permanent teeth have erupted.<

Phase 2 treatment is initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted and usually requires braces on all teeth for a short period of time. The length of the braces treatment will vary depending on how rotated the teeth erupt and, most importantly, how well the patient complied during the Phase 1.

The purpose of the Phase 2 is to place each tooth into its exact location in the mouth. When the teeth are properly placed, they will function together as they should. This will make it easier to keep them clean and healthy and will give you a smile that exudes beauty and confidence. Once the braces are finished, retainers are worn to maintain the great, new smile.