Two phase treatment creates beautiful smiles and properly functioning bites that are designed to last a lifetime.
Two-Phase Orthodontics Treatment Sturbridge, MA
The AAO recommends that children visit an orthodontist for the first time around their seventh birthday. While many may think this is too young, it’s actually the perfect age. At the age of seven, children will often have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing the Sturbridge orthodontist to get an idea of how the adult smile is taking shape. They will be able to identify any potential issues and determine when the best time for an intervention.
At your child’s initial consultation, our team will use X-rays and digital photos, as well as a physical exam, to determine how your child’s baby teeth are falling out and the permanent teeth are erupting. We’ll be able to see what is happening below the surface of the gums and make sure the jaws are growing properly to be able to accommodate all of the adult teeth.
For some patients, we may recommend treatment begin soon, while for others we may take a more wait-and-see approach. This allows us to continue monitoring the smile and then recommend treatment at the time we believe it will have the most positive impact on the growing smile.
While orthodontic treatment can begin and be successful at any age, it is often easier when a child is younger. This is because it allows us the opportunity to guide the growth of the jaw to ensure adequate space for all of the permanent teeth. When we can do this, we can ensure a harmonious bite and straight smile.
Phase I Treatment Sturbridge
The first phase of interventive orthodontics focuses on the jaw. There are different appliances we can use to help us guide jaw growth, depending on what your child’s specific needs are. Our Sturbridge orthodontists will determine if your child would benefit most from an appliance like a palatal expander, or if early braces may be the best option.
When we have the ability to guide the growth of the jaw, we can create an environment that is ideal for permanent teeth. We can avoid crowding and overlapping, as well as rotated or twisted teeth. Guiding the jaw allows us to correct crossbites, underbites, and overbites before they cause more severe issues or more extensive work as your child grows.
When Phase I is completed, it is followed by a resting period. You will visit our office during this time so we can monitor your progress and be sure your permanent teeth are erupting properly. Then, when the time is right, we’ll begin Phase II.
Phase II Treatment Sturbridge
Once the permanent teeth have all erupted, your child is ready for the next phase of treatment. Phase II is the straightening phase where we will guide the teeth to their ideal locations using braces or clear aligners. Patients who undergo early interventive, Sturbridge two-phase treatment often see much shorter treatment times during this phase because we have already done the hard work of correcting the jaw growth.
When we use a two-phase treatment Sturbridge, we can divide the treatment up to focus on one thing at a time. Focusing strictly on jaw growth first allows us to ensure an ideal bite that is ready for permanent teeth. Then, when we move to the straightening phase, it can be more efficient and effective.
Sturbridge’s Two-phase treatment reduces the need for jaw surgery and extractions but also ensures the straightening phase is less complicated. The goal of orthodontic treatment isn’t just a straight smile, but a properly-functioning bite, as well. Two-phase treatment allows us to provide the best treatment of your child at the most ideal times.
FAQ
What is a two-phase treatment?
Two-phase treatment is a specialized treatment plan developed for young children that contemplates supervising their dental development and offering time-appropriate treatment for any developing orthodontic concerns.
What is a two-phase treatment in orthodontics?
We develop two-phase treatment plans for children who require early help in guiding their dental development because of presumed skeletal growth concerns. Later, as the child grows into their teenage years, it may be time to use braces or other methods to realign their teeth permanently.
How two-phase treatment can change your smile
First of all, two-phase treatment can help make the overall treatment time much shorter and enable a much more comfortable experience when realigning teeth. This helps the child work on their smile without any additional complications and enables better oral health throughout the treatment.
What to know about two-phase orthodontic treatment
All parents should keep in mind that beginning orthodontic treatment from a young age does not mean having to wear braces since the child’s early teenage years. The treatment focuses on maximizing all efforts to achieve results that improve function, esthetics, and oral health upkeep.
Does your child need two-phase orthodontic treatment?
If you notice a lot of tooth grinding, uneven wear on your child’s teeth, constant headaches, or if there’s a history of orthodontic problems in your family, you might want to bring your child to a visit with the orthodontist. The earlier you start, the better the results.
