First Phase Treatment

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 or 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.

Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit from an early phase of orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances that direct the growth of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established, providing adequate room for all 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.

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. In some cases, the teeth may erupt into their ideal position after Phase I, and additional treatment would not be necessary. In other cases the teeth do not erupt into an ideal position and Phase II orthodontic treatment is necessary for cosmetic and functional reasons. The treatment item is usually one/half of average time, and the fee is pro-rated to the cost of Phase I. We do not charge for recall visits in the interim between first and second phase treatments.

Second Phase Treatment

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 win function together properly, and of course be more healthy and attractive. They will stay healthy and look attractive. This is the goal for the second and final phase of treatment.

The second phase is initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 12-18 months. Retainers are worn after this phase.

Advantages of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening, jaw alignment, jaw widening, and facial changes. The emphasis today on living longer, staying healthy, and looking attractive requires optimum treatment results. The major advantage of a two–phase treatment is the quality of the result.
With it we maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and esthetic result the will remain stable.