Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids visit an orthodontist from age 7. Initially, children received orthodontist treatment during their teenage years. Most kids already have adult teeth by that age, and thus the idea to start orthodontist treatment. Two-phase orthodontist treatment is an ideal treatment plan that exists for children.

As the name suggests, two-phase orthodontics treatment involves two stages. At around age 7, a kid visits the orthodontist, and a thorough evaluation is conducted to identify any problems. According to official records, one in every ten children qualifies for treatment. You should therefore ensure your child does not miss out.

Unbeknown to many parents, teeth-related problems affect children not only physically but also emotionally. Your child might lose self-esteem and confidence due to dental anomalies that make him/her uncomfortable. Getting your child to an orthodontic treatment should be a priority. Few dental experts perform two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment at Stanford.

How to know whether your child needs two-phase orthodontist treatment

• Premature loss of primary teeth
• Sucking fingers and toys
• Having problems with biting and chewing
• Early signs of crowded teeth
• Protruding lower/upper teeth

Treatment process – Phase 1

The process happens in two phases. The first phase aims at correcting abnormalities in the oral cavity that affect the bite pattern. The treatment phase takes roughly 10 – 14 months. In the first stage, there are common problems that the specialist addresses. The problems include;

• Deep bite
• Crossbites
• Large overbites
• Open bites
• Severe crowding
• Narrow jaws
• Habits that compromise teeth development and oral hygiene
• Issues to do with tooth eruption

This treatment process can also retract protruding front teeth. Even though they might not move back a great distance, they cover a reasonable distance to help avoid fatal injuries in case of accidents. The overall visual appeal will also increase the kids’ confidence.

Treatment options commonly used in phase one

• Headgear
• Expansion appliances
• Specialized retainers
• Functional appliances
• Traditional braces

Once phase one is finished, a child puts on a retainer awaiting the second stage. A least 10 – 20 % of cases require two-face treatment. A retainer preserves the state of the work done in the first phase of treatment.

The orthodontist uses physical examinations and X-rays to monitor additional jaw development and eruption of the permanent teeth. This monitoring happens between the two phases. During the resting period (between phases one and two), it is advisable to visit an orthodontist regularly to ensure a smooth transition.

Treatment process – Phase 2

This stage begins when most adult teeth have developed. At this stage, the child is approximately age 12, and the molars are also erupting. This stage starts at around 11 years and proceeds for most of the adult year. The treatment face takes 18 -24 months. However, some cases can be corrected in a few months using Invisalign.

In this phase, braces are attached to the top and bottom teeth. These braces help put your kid’s teeth intact, healthy and attractive. Teeth become firm and stable, thus functioning optimally. All other teeth complications are addressed in this stage.

If there are missing teeth, they are replaced in this stage. Mispositioned teeth are also realigned to fit in the dental arch. This second process guarantees solid and healthy teeth for children as they transition to adults.

Benefits of two-phase orthodontic treatment

• The significant advantage of this treatment is that it helps correct teeth deformities early enough. Early treatment minimizes the chances of teeth problems in adult life. It’s rare to receive this treatment then suffer the fete of teeth extractions in the future.
• It improves the facial structure, teeth alignment, and quality of the smile. These factors ensure the development of strong, healthy teeth with optimal jaw function.
• It eliminates any pain that teeth-related complications may cause.
• Your child can speak fluently, bite and chew without difficulty, and an improved facial structure.

Tips

• Proper phase I treatment shortens and simplifies phase II orthodontist treatment
• Not all children require this treatment
• Association of Orthodontists recommends age 7 because it coincides with the development of permanent teeth

Conclusion

It’s good to note that two-phase treatment is not compulsory. Also, it is not for everyone. It is, however, helpful in various instances. The therapy also helps to avoid numerous invasive procedures in adult life. While looking for two-phase treatment, one key aspect is always to find a reputable orthodontist.

If you are seeking Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment near you, James E. Lupi DDS is a good option. He offers Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment in Stanford, VA. You can visit in person or book an online appointment.