At Sycamore Orthodontics, you’ll often hear Dr. B or Dr. Sarah refer to “two-phase treatment.” What is two-phase treatment, though? It definitely involves straightening teeth. But there’s more to it than just that. It’s about creating a balance between the mouth and the face, specifically for your kiddos. This way, your little one gets a beautiful smile and a fully functional bite.
This unique approach typically happens in two distinct stages – hence the name. Our team separates the two phases with a resting period. Each stage is necessary and plays a crucial role in helping to create an ideal environment that supports healthy, aligned teeth and a symmetrical face.
Dr. B and Dr. Sarah want for parents to understand the treatment their kids receive from us. The more information you have, the better decisions you can make. So, let’s dive right in and demystify two-phase orthodontic treatment!
What Happens in the First Phase?
Phase One begins when your child still has most of their primary or “baby” teeth. The doctors mainly focus on the development of your child’s jaw. Dr. B and Dr. Sarah will carefully monitor your child’s growth patterns and use their expertise to guide the jaw’s development.
This proactive method can help us address severe orthodontic issues early on. For instance, if your child has a narrow jaw, we can use a palatal expander to widen their jaw over time gently. Early intervention allows us to create enough space for permanent teeth to grow correctly. Doing it this way helps us reduce the risk of overcrowding or alignment woes in the future.
The goal of Phase One is to better prepare your child’s mouth for the eventual eruption of permanent teeth. By the end of this phase, your child should have a better jaw alignment and plenty of room for incoming teeth.
But we don’t move immediately into Phase Two. Your child’s mouth needs to rest before that.
The Resting Phase
During this time, your child’s remaining baby teeth fall out naturally. Now, permanent teeth have an opportunity to come in! And guess what? There’s no active treatment during this period! Woohoo! But that doesn’t mean we’re not doing anything.
Dr. B and Dr. Sarah will still keep a close eye on your child’s teeth development during this resting phase. Regular check-ups will be necessary to monitor their progress. The resting phase is important for the growth and development of the teeth and jaws, and we want to ensure everything is going as planned.
Your child’s mouth needs a break! So, the resting phase is integral to two-phase treatment. Think of it like the calm before the storm, preparing your child for the next phase of active treatment.
What Happens in the Second Phase?
This phase typically starts when most, if not all, of the permanent teeth have erupted. If Phase One was all about preparing the groundwork, Phase Two is where we bring it all together.
In this phase, Dr. B and Dr. Sarah verify that each of your child’s teeth aligns in their proper position. When the teeth are aligned, the rest of the face tends to follow. We achieve symmetry using full upper and lower braces. When all the teeth are in their correct spots, they’ll work together (and look awesome!).
The length of the second phase can vary depending on the amount of treatment your child needs. It usually lasts for a minimum of 24 months. During this time, regular visits to our office will ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned.
That’s the end of the second phase. And forgive us for being a little “infomercial” here…but wait, there’s more!
After the Treatment: The Importance of Retainers
Retainers ensure that all the hard work done during two-phase treatment is not wasted. After all, we don’t want the teeth to shift back to their old positions, do we?
Retainers are a must to maintain the new positioning of your child’s teeth. Just as each set of braces is unique, so too are the retainers. Dr. B and Dr. Sarah will design a custom retailer to maintain your child’s new stellar smile.
The Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Choosing two-phase treatment for your child can bring a wealth of benefits. Dr. B and Dr. Sarah have seen the effects of this treatment on countless young smiles. Here are some of the key advantages this approach offers:
- Proactive Correction: Two-phase treatment addresses facial growth issues early. This can prevent more serious problems from developing and make any later treatment faster and less complicated.
- Improved Aesthetics: As our team guides the growth of your kiddo’s jaw, we can ensure that there’s enough room for the permanent teeth to erupt properly. The perks? A more pleasing arrangement of teeth and a knockout smile.
- Protection from Injuries: Protruding front teeth can be at a greater risk of getting hurt during sports. Early treatment can cut down on risk by aligning the front teeth.
- Boosted Self-Esteem: A stunning smile can do wonders for a child’s confidence. With two-phase treatment, your child can enjoy their teenage years with a smile that they’re proud to show off.
Two-Phase Treatment at Sycamore Orthodontics
Two-phase orthodontic treatment can seem daunting, but remember; it’s a journey we take together. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the day your child reveals their new, perfect smile.
Sycamore Orthodontics is committed to providing your child with the highest quality orthodontic care in the Sycamore area. Dr. B and Dr. Sarah take pride in creating individualized treatment plans that take into account your child’s unique needs and growth patterns. If you think your child could benefit from two-phase orthodontic treatment or have more questions, we’re here to help.
So, are you ready to start this journey with us? Get started here, and let’s work together to give your child a smile they’ll love forever!