Our two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that attempts to improve future skeletal, facial, and/or dental development at an early age with the goal of decreasing the complexity and duration of the second phase of treatment.

First Phase of Treatment

Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. A narrow upper jaw can limit space for permanent teeth, as well as cause unwanted shifting of the lower jaw. If children after age 6 are found to have these jaw discrepancies, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. The goal of first phase treatment is to develop the upper jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to help relate the upper and lower jaws to each other.

Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established, providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to achieve an ideal result with braces alone.

Resting Period

In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. Typically a retainer is worn to help maintain the results achieved during the first phase of treatment. Periodic recall appointments are necessary to adjust the retainer and monitor the eruption of new teeth.

At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not usually in their final positions. If needed, this will be accomplished in the second phase of treatment. Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth and periodic X-rays may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting period.

Second Phase of Treatment

Patients are ready for second phase treatment when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. This phase involves full upper and lower braces to help place the teeth in their most stable and esthetically pleasing positions.