Boynton Beach Office:
Two-Phase Orthodontics: Advantages and What to Expect
Two-phase orthodontic treatment uses a two-step approach to correct teeth alignment and jaw growth. It aims for a stable, attractive smile with enhanced bite function that endures lifelong. This technique yields superior aesthetic and functional results for your child's oral health.
Consequences of Delayed Orthodontic Treatment
Postponing treatment often leads to more complex interventions down the line and may fail to fully optimize your child's smile. Starting early with two-phase therapy delivers superior, enduring outcomes.
Phase One: Building the Base for an Enduring Smile
Phase One targets jaw growth and positioning. It aligns the upper and lower jaws correctly while making room for incoming permanent teeth. Signs of jaw issues—like an overly wide or narrow upper jaw—often appear during your child's development.
Kids starting at age six can gain from Phase One, particularly with crowded front teeth or bite mismatches. Timely care avoids extractions of adult teeth or later surgical needs.
Phase One: What It Includes
In Phase One, we gather orthodontic records like X-rays, photographs, and models to select optimal appliances and estimate treatment length. The focus remains on directing jaw growth and ensuring ample room for erupting permanent teeth.
Treatment Rest Phase
Following Phase One, permanent teeth erupt on their own. Retainers are typically skipped to allow natural tooth positioning. Check-ins every six months track growth and confirm proper alignment.
Phase Two: Completing Treatment
Phase Two involves aligning all permanent teeth into their correct positions. At this stage, braces are usually applied to both the upper and lower arches to ensure proper bite and a fully balanced smile.
Length of Phase Two
This stage usually spans around 24 months and concludes with retainers to keep your child's teeth securely in their ideal alignment.
Benefits of Starting Early
Starting treatment early can prevent more complex procedures in the future, such as extractions or jaw surgery. By intervening early, we guide your child’s teeth and jaw development to promote a healthy, well-aligned, and attractive smile.