Also known as early-phase treatment, this type of orthodontic treatment is a specialized process used by modern orthodontists to ensure successful tooth alignment in the future. Because this treatment starts during a critical period in the growth of the human jaw, it will encourage healthier development of the face, teeth, and mouth for pre-teens and teens.
When is this Type of Treatment Necessary?
The short answer is that it depends. By the time a child turns six, a professional orthodontist, like the ones at Oakbrook Orthodontics, can evaluate the child’s jaw. The orthodontist will evaluate whether or not the child is having serious issues with the development of his or her jaw. If the jaw is growing improperly, either too much or too little, treatment will be extremely beneficial for the child.
In fact, left untreated, a misaligned jaw will probably get worse over time which may make the problem too severe for braces to solve. In effect, early treatment of this problem ends up being very cost-effective because it allows your child to avoid needing to undergo more complicated, costly procedures in the future.
The Benefits of this Treatment Are:
- Improved health, function and aesthetics
- Reduced need for extraction
- Reduced need for jaw surgery
- Improved airways
- A nicer smile
- Proper facial growth potential
How Does Two-Phase Treatment Work?
As the name suggests, there are two phases involved in a two-phase treatment. The first phase occurs when your child still has their baby teeth but also some permanent teeth. The point of this part of the treatment is to fix overcrowding and issues relates to the jaw. Individual treatments may vary depending on the exact nature of the problem but generally, treatment will include a combination of appliances.
After the first phase, there will be a resting period until the rest of the child’s permanent teeth come in. During the resting period, patients should come in every 3 to 6 months for the orthodontist to monitor their progress.
To conclude the treatment, upper and lower braces will be applied the same way they would’ve been for a traditional treatment. Thanks to the work done in the first phase, though, the orthodontist only has to focus on improving the appearance of the teeth rather than making more complicated, structural adjustments.
Remember, only a professional orthodontist can tell you if two-phase treatment is necessary. So give our office a call for a professional evaluation.