Two-Phase Treatment
At Orthodontic Associates, we are committed to providing comprehensive orthodontic care that ensures the best possible results for our patients, especially children whose jaws and teeth are still developing. One of the most effective approaches for addressing complex orthodontic issues in children is two-phase treatment. This method allows us to guide the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws over time, providing them with the foundation for a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
Two-phase treatment is a specialized orthodontic approach that involves two distinct stages of care, each designed to address different aspects of your child’s oral development. By starting treatment early, we can intervene at critical stages of growth to correct issues before they become more serious. This approach often reduces the need for more invasive treatments later, such as extractions or jaw surgery, and can improve the long-term stability of your child’s smile.
Phase One: Early Intervention
The first phase of two-phase treatment typically begins when your child is between the ages of six and ten, while they still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This phase focuses on guiding the growth and development of the jaw, addressing issues such as overcrowding, misaligned jaws, and harmful oral habits (such as thumb sucking). By correcting these problems early, we can create more space for permanent teeth to come in and reduce the likelihood of more severe orthodontic issues later.
Phase One may involve the use of expanders, partial braces, or other orthodontic appliances to influence the growth of the jaw and ensure proper alignment. Early treatment can also help address functional issues, such as improving the bite or correcting crossbites and underbites. The goal of this phase is to lay the groundwork for a healthy bite and balanced facial structure.
Resting Period
After Phase One, your child will enter a resting period where the remaining baby teeth can fall out, and permanent teeth can continue to emerge naturally. During this time, no active treatment is typically needed, but our orthodontists will monitor your child’s progress to ensure everything is developing as expected. This resting period allows us to evaluate the results of Phase 1 and plan the next stage of treatment based on how your child’s teeth and jaws are growing.
Phase Two: Comprehensive Treatment
Phase Two begins once most or all of your child’s permanent teeth have come in, usually between the ages of 11 and 14. This phase focuses on fine-tuning the alignment of the teeth and bite using full braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. By this stage, the major issues have already been addressed, and Phase Two ensures that the teeth are positioned correctly for optimal function, aesthetics, and long-term stability.
During Phase Two, we use advanced orthodontic techniques to guide the final movements of the teeth, creating a balanced, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. The treatment time in this phase may be shorter than if we had waited until all the permanent teeth came in without early intervention.
Benefits of Two-Phase Treatment
Two-phase treatment offers several key advantages for growing children. By addressing orthodontic problems early, we can often prevent the need for more invasive treatments, such as extractions or jaw surgery, later in life. Early intervention allows us to correct jaw alignment issues and create more space for permanent teeth to emerge, reducing the risk of crowding or severe malocclusion.
Additionally, two-phase treatment can improve the overall aesthetics and function of your child’s smile, leading to better oral health and increased confidence. Correcting issues such as improper bite alignment can also help prevent problems like tooth wear, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing or speaking.
Is Two-Phase Treatment Right for My Child?
Not every child will need two-phase treatment, but it can be highly beneficial for children with significant orthodontic concerns that cannot be effectively addressed with traditional treatment alone. The best way to determine if your child is a candidate for two-phase treatment is to schedule an evaluation with our board-certified orthodontists. At Orthodontic Associates, we will conduct a thorough assessment of your child’s teeth, jaw growth, and bite to determine the best course of action for their specific needs.
Retainers
At Orthodontic Associates, we believe that maintaining your newly straightened smile is just as important as the orthodontic treatment itself. After completing braces or Invisalign, the next critical step is wearing a retainer. Retainers help to preserve the alignment of your teeth and protect the investment you’ve made in your smile. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back to their original positions, undoing all the progress made during treatment.
A retainer is a custom-made appliance designed to hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions after your braces or Invisalign treatment has been completed. Retainers are essential because teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time, especially after being moved into new positions. By wearing a retainer as directed by your orthodontist, you can ensure that your smile stays straight and your bite remains properly aligned.
There are different types of retainers, and your orthodontist will recommend the best option based on your unique needs. Each type has its own benefits and is designed to keep your smile in place long-term.
Why Do I Need a Retainer?
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, your teeth are not fully set in their new positions right away. The tissues and bones surrounding the teeth need time to adjust and stabilize. Wearing a retainer helps to hold the teeth in their corrected positions during this critical period. Over time, your teeth will “settle” into their new alignment, but it’s important to continue wearing a retainer regularly to maintain the results.
Skipping retainer wear can cause your teeth to gradually shift back, which could lead to the need for additional orthodontic treatment in the future. Consistent retainer use is the key to ensuring your smile remains as straight and beautiful as it was when you finished treatment.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?
The length of time you will need to wear your retainer varies depending on your individual case. In general, patients are advised to wear their retainers full-time for the first few months after completing their orthodontic treatment. After this initial period, your orthodontist may recommend switching to wearing the retainer only at night.
However, retainers are often a lifetime commitment. Even years after completing treatment, wearing your retainer periodically — usually while sleeping — will help prevent your teeth from shifting. Your orthodontist will provide you with specific instructions based on your treatment plan, and it’s important to follow those recommendations to keep your smile in perfect shape.
Taking Care of Your Retainer
Proper care of your retainer is essential to ensure it remains effective and lasts for as long as possible. Removable retainers should be cleaned regularly using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. You can also use a retainer cleaning solution or a mild, clear soap to keep them fresh and free from bacteria. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the retainer. For fixed retainers, brushing and flossing carefully around the bonded wire is crucial to prevent plaque buildup.
Be sure to store your removable retainer in its case when not in use to prevent damage or loss. If your retainer becomes damaged or no longer fits properly, contact Orthodontic Associates so we can repair or replace it as needed.
At Orthodontic Associates, our goal is to help you protect your new smile for life. Our team will work with you to ensure you have the right retainer for your needs and provide you with clear guidance on how to care for it. Whether you’re wearing braces or Invisalign, we’ll guide you through every step of your post-treatment care to make sure your smile stays beautiful and aligned.
Retainer Instructions
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