Early Treatment/Two-Phase Orthodontics

Two-phase orthodontic/orthopedic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses jaw and facial charges (orthopedics) and tooth straightening (orthodontics). The emphasis today on living longer, staying healthy, and looking attractive requires optimum treatment results. The major advantage of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic, and comfortable result that will remain stable. The first phase of orthodontics is commonly referred to as the interceptive phase and the second phase is the corrective phase. An orthodontic evaluation is necessary to determine if your child is a good candidate for two-phase orthodontics.

The goals of first phase treatment (interceptive) are:

1. To develop both the upper and the lower jaws sufficiently to accommodate all of the permanent teeth.
2. To correctly relate the upper and lower jaws to each other.
3. Limit the time necessary for the second phase of treatment.
4. Avoid later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding.
5. Avoid surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws.

The goals of second phase treatment are:

1. Provide each tooth a position where it is in harmony with the cheeks, tongue, jaws, jaw joints and other teeth.
2. A bite which is stable, functional, and looks attractive.

The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of the permanent teeth and having only one phase of treatment is the possibility of a compromised result that may not be functionally healthy or stable and may require preventable adult tooth extraction or jaw surgery.