Two Phase Treatment
for kids, but not for all kids.
for kids, but not for all kids.
Most orthodontic problems can be treated in one phase of comprehensive treatment, however, there are a few exceptions.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your child’s life.
What If Treatment Is Post-Poned?
Putting off treatment can result in a need for more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your child’s smile. Early treatment is most effective for achieving lasting results.
- May reduce the need to extract permanent teeth in the future.
- Normalize the relationship of the upper jaw to the lower jaw, especially in the case of an underbite.
- Intervene in a child’s prolonged sucking or abnormal swallowing.
- Damaging pressure can move teeth in the wrong directions and/or change the shape of bone that supports teeth.
- Tuck in upper front teeth that stick out to reduce the risk of those teeth being broken or knocked out.
The goal of Phase One treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper jaw that is growing too much or is too narrow can be recognized at an early age. If children over the age of six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Also, if children around the age of eight have crowded front teeth, early treatment may prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later.
After Phase One treatment is completed your child will transition to a Resting Period. In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt. Dr. Freels will monitor your child’s progress through follow-up visits every 3-6 months. Retainers may be provided but only for a limited time as to allow for eruption of the permanent teeth. A successful first phase is not done for the sake of appearance but it will have created room for permanent teeth to find an eruption path.
At the end of the Phase One treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. This will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment.
Phase Two of orthodontic treatment usually begins when most or all of the permanent teeth are in. Having completed a series of recall appointments to monitor growth, Dr. Freels will determine when a child is ready to begin the second phase of treatment.
The goal of the second phase is to make sure 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 will function together properly. Phase Two usually involves full upper and lower braces.
FAQs: Two-Phase Treatment
How do I know if my child needs two-phase treatment?
Not every child requires two-phase treatment. Dr. Freels evaluates each patient individually during a consultation, checking for early signs of jaw discrepancies, crowding, or bite issues. If your child’s teeth and jaws are developing normally, one phase of comprehensive treatment later on may be all that is needed.
Is two-phase treatment more expensive than one-phase treatment?
The combined cost of two-phase treatment is often comparable to comprehensive treatment done in a single phase, since addressing issues early can prevent more complex procedures down the road. Our team at Freels Orthodontics can walk you through the specifics during your consultation and help you understand your payment options.
Will my child still need braces after Phase One?
Yes, in most cases. Phase One focuses on guiding jaw growth and creating room for permanent teeth, not on finalizing tooth position. Most children move into Phase Two, which typically involves full upper and lower braces, once the remaining permanent teeth have erupted.
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist McAllen, TX families trust for an evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age seven. This allows an orthodontist McAllen, TX parents rely on to catch potential jaw or bite problems while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, giving early treatment the best chance of success.
What happens during the Resting Period between phases?
After Phase One, your child enters a Resting Period while remaining permanent teeth erupt naturally. Dr. Freels monitors this progress with checkups every three to six months, and a limited-duration retainer may be used to help guide the process.
Ready for a Two-Phase Treatment Evaluation?
Two-phase treatment can make a real difference in your child’s development, giving their smile the best possible foundation for a lasting, healthy result. If you’re ready to learn more about whether two-phase treatment is right for your child, contact Freels Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation.