How can two phases of affordable orthodontic treatment promote the proper dental formation for young patients with growing mouths and jaws?
The answer is easily (and consistently) with treatment at Caudill Orthodontics. But not all patients need 2 phases of treatment – which we will explain in this blog.
As you know, children’s mouths require extra care and careful consideration! When it comes to achieving the structure for ideal dental formation in young patients with growing mouths, the two phase orthodontic process can be very effective. This approach ensures a healthy dental formation is enforced during the transition from baby teeth to a full mouth of adult teeth.
What happens in Phase 1?
Often performed on young patients from ages 6 to 10, Phase 1 orthodontics is only suggested when very specific problems are present. Yes, that means the patient will still have some baby teeth! Typically, the goal of Phase 1 treatment is to make room in the mouth for adult teeth to grow. The approach here is to detect dental issues early on and decrease the chances of further dental concerns from developing. This phase is optimal for early intervention of dental issues in young patients and to ensure a healthy jaw growth and eruption of the adult teeth. This is why the American Association of Orthodontics suggests all children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7.
What happens during (and before) Phase 2?
Following Phase 1 is a short observation phase to allow adult teeth to grow in, unobstructed and unaffected by any treatment. Baby teeth will fall out naturally and adult teeth will emerge. After all (or most) adult teeth have emerged, this observation phase is complete. If the patient has had Phase 1 treatment, they will wear a nightly retainer during this phase.
Phase 2 orthodontics is the “big phase” of orthodontic treatment that occurs once all the adult teeth have erupted. Phase 2 typically involves braces or Invisalign® on both the top and bottom teeth. Elastics and rubber bands are used to fix the bite and align the teeth.
The 2-Phase orthodontic approach is an effective measure for correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Not all patients need Phase 1, not all patients need Phase 2, and not all patients need both. If you’re wondering how to fix overbites or how to fix underbites, Invisalign® is an efficient treatment option for you.
With appropriate timing and gentle care, our Merritt Island and Melbourne orthodontists at Caudill Orthodontics can create and establish a strong dental formation for growing patients.
If you have any questions or would like to hear more about the effectiveness of the 2-Phase orthodontic approach, call us today to schedule an appointment (321) 259-3237.
