Orthdontic Treatment Timing and Phases

Because patients differ in both physiologic development and treatment needs, our goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

Two-Phase Treatment is an orthodontic technique that involves using two separate periods of orthodontic treatment: one during childhood and one during adolescence. This approach allows us to treat underlying bone structure issues during childhood, when the bones of the mouth are still growing and malleable, then treat more surface-level alignment issues during adolescence, once the adult teeth have grown in.

First Phase (Phase I Therapy)

The journey to optimal oral health begins with Phase I therapy. During this phase, we will utilize orthodontic appliances to guide jaw growth and erupting teeth into more favorable positions. Improving the growth and alignment of the jaws will optimize chewing, speaking, breathing and swallowing.

Treatment usually takes twelve to eighteen months and a variety of appliances may be used to correct specific problems:

• BRACES– placed on upper and sometimes permanent lower teeth worn to correct tooth alignment
• HEADGEAR– worn to alter upper jaw growth and/or move the upper molars back
• PALATAL EXPANDER– worn to widen the upper jaw and expand the airway for improved respiration
• LIP BUMPER– worn to eliminate lip sucking/wedging habit and improve overall lip function and profile appearance
• HABIT APPLIANCE– worn to eliminate harmful habits (finger/thumb sucking, tongue thrusting)
• FACE MASK– worn to move the upper jaw and/or teeth forward
• FUNCTIONAL APPLIANCE– a removable “retainer” worn to redirect jaw growth
• SPACE MAINTENANCE APPLIANCE– worn to maintain space for developing permanent teeth

Second Phase (Phase II Therapy) Comprehensive Treatment

Comprehensive treatment will be started once all permanent teeth have erupted. Treatment usually takes twenty to thirty months and depends on several factors, including:

• The Severity of the Problem
• The Age of the Patient
• Biologic Maturity
• Oral Physiology/Metabolism
• Patient Cooperation
• Consistency in Keeping Appointments

Adult Treatment

The major difference between child and adult orthodontic treatment is that adult bones are no longer growing. This means that it may take a little longer for adult teeth to move into their correct position. In general, adult treatment takes between eighteen and thirty months.

Adolescents and adults have more choices than ever in creating a beautiful smile. From traditional braces to “invisible” braces, the number of effective and cosmetically pleasing treatment options is growing all the time.

With healthy gums and bone structure, teeth can be straightened at any age.

Periodic Adjustments

After fixed braces are placed on your teeth, your orthodontist adjusts them periodically by tightening or bending the interconnecting wires. This puts mild pressure on the teeth and gradually shifts them into new positions. The jaw responds to the pressure by dissolving bone in the path of the moving tooth and laying down new bone behind it.

Occasionally, the orthodontist may use tension between the upper and lower jaws to help promote correct alignment. This is often done with elastic bands stretched between opposing teeth.

Retainers

After dental braces are removed, the newly straightened teeth need to be stabilized for a period of time (retention period) to prevent them from shifting back to their original position. This is accomplished with the use of a custom-made appliance typically made of plastic or plastic and metal wires that help teeth stay in place (retainer).

Retainers are usually removable, but may be fixed. Or a combination of fixed and removable may be used.

Results

Braces are generally very effective in realigning crooked teeth and help correct improperly positioned jaws, creating a nice smile and a healthy mouth.

On average, most people wear full braces for one to three years. Retainers may be worn indefinitely to ensure that the final results remain stable.