Why is it necessary to have two phases of orthodontic treatment?

Did you know that the growth of the bones of the face slow dramatically by the age of puberty (11-13)?  Therefore, the best time for your child to be seen by an orthodontist is between the ages of 7 and 8, when the bones of the face are growing rapidly.  In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children get a checkup with an orthodontist no later than age 7.  With early treatment, more aggressive orthodontic treatment such as extractions and jaw surgery can be avoided or minimized.

Phase I Treatment – (Skeletal Correction)

The goal of Phase I treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth. There is a special “window of opportunity” between the ages of 7 and 10 that allows us to manipulate or redirect the bones in the face or jaw.  Because of this rapid growth period, many children can benefit enormously from Phase I treatment. For example, appliances such as a headgear or Herbst can correct “overbites” and a palatel expander can widen the upper jaw, making more space to reduce crowding. A healthy jaw relationship can provide a good foundation for all of the permanent teeth to erupt, usually around age 12.  When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, Dr. Crise will recall the patient yearly to carefully monitor growth and development.

What are the advantages of Phase I treatment?

Some of the most direct results of phase I interceptive treatment are:

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Preserving space for unerupted teeth
• Reducing the need for tooth removal
• Reducing treatment time with braces
• Redirecting jaw growth the prevent jaw surgery

Maintenance Phase

Between Phase I and Phase II, Dr. Crise will recall the patient every 9-12 months, to monitor growth and eruption of the rest of the permanent teeth.  X-rays are taken periodically and are included the Phase I fee. A retainer is usually given when the braces come off after Phase I, and from time to time, it may need to be adjusted as new teeth erupt.  Dr. Crise will determine the ideal time to begin Phase II treatment.

Phase II Braces (Dental Correction)

There are two reasons to do braces: aesthetics and function.  The most important being function. The goal of Phase II treatment is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in perfect harmony and relationship with all the other teeth.  When this equilibrium is established the teeth will function properly, in a protected occlusion.  This prevents premature wear on the teeth, and helps the jaws line up in an ideal relationship, preventing jaw or joint pain in many cases.  Plus, when all the teeth are lined up in a perfect relationship with each other, the result is a beautiful, “Hollywood” smile, increasing self-esteem and one’s confidence!

Retention Phase

When the braces are removed, custom retainers are made to keep the teeth in alignment.  The retainers are included in your Phase II fee and Dr. Crise continues to see the patient for 18 months, making sure good habits are established, and evaluating the growth of the wisdom teeth.  Dr. Crise recommends wearing your retainers every night for the first year, then decreasing the retainer wear to every other night, and eventually just once a week.  “Retain to Maintain” your beautiful smile for a lifetime!