Problems that will eventually need orthodontic attention can become obvious long before a child has all of their permanent teeth. Depending on the type of problem a child has, Dr. Samuelson may recommend Two-Phase treatment. Two-Phase Treatment means that treatment is done at two different times, often to take advantage of predictable stages of dental development and physical growth. 

The first phase begins while a child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth. Typically, a resting period follows. Phase two of orthodontic treatment usually begins when most or all of permanent teeth are present, so they can be moved into their final position.

Some problems are easier to correct, if found early. Early treatment can create a healthy environment for teeth growth and development and contribute to long-term stability.

The first phase can prevent a problem from developing, intercept a developing problem or guide the growth of the jaw bones that support the teeth. By timing treatment to predictable stages of dental development, the orthodontist may be able to take advantage a child's growth and development. Some problems can be treated quite well and mitigate more invasive treatment in the future.

Dr. Samuelson will discuss with you if two-phase treatment is necessary during your child’s new patient consultation. Treatment is unique to each patient, because each patient has a unique problem that requires unique treatment.

GOALS OF TREATMENT:

• Create a better environment for permanent teeth to come in

• Create a proper relationship of teeth and jaws, so that they work correctly

• Correct alignment of the teeth Position teeth and jaws for an attractive face and profile

THE PATIENT'S ROLE:

• Follow Dr. Samuelson and his orthodontic team’s instructions during both phases of treatment

• Keep appliances, teeth and gums clean, and visit your dentist every six months for cleaning

• Keep scheduled appointments Avoid food that may damage the appliance

• Maintain a healthy diet

1. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is for kids, but it’s not for all kids.

Most orthodontic problems can be treated in one phase of comprehensive treatment, however there are a few exceptions.

2. Two-phase orthodontic treatment can be used to:

Help the jaws develop to ensure adequate space for all of the permanent teeth, especially the permanent canines.

• May reduce the need to pull permanent teeth in the future.

• Some problems that can be treated quite well in a growing child but may require corrective surgery if treatment occurs after growth ends.

• Normalize the relationship of the upper jaw to the lower jaw, especially in the case of an underbite.

• Intervene in a child’s prolonged sucking or abnormal swallowing.

• Damaging pressure can move teeth in the wrong directions and/or change the shape of the bone that supports teeth.

• Tuck in upper front teeth that stick out to reduce the risk of those teeth being broken or knocked out. 

3. Moving baby teeth is not done for the sake of their appearance.

While baby teeth can move during Phase One orthodontic treatment, their movement is part of the process to ensure sufficient space for permanent teeth.

4. Phase One of a two-phase orthodontic treatment begins when a child still has some baby teeth.

If an appliance is used in Phase One care, it could be a form of braces or another fixed appliance, or could be a removable appliance. The type of appliance used depends on the needs of the individual patient.

• Some children may need to have baby teeth removed to clear a path for the permanent teeth to come.

5. A resting period typically follows Phase One orthodontic treatment.

6. Phase Two of orthodontic treatment usually begins when most or all of permanent teeth are in.

The goal of Phase Two treatment is to make sure teeth are in their proper places for good function, a healthy bite and a pleasing appearance.

Give your child the best chance at a healthy, beautiful smile. Follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ (AAO) recommendation that all children have their first check-up with an AAO orthodontist no later than age 7. If an orthodontic problem is developing, Dr. Samuelson will be able to monitor growth and development so that your child can have the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

When you choose an AAO orthodontist for orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a true orthodontist. Like their medical counterparts who study their specialty areas after their general medical education, orthodontists study their specialty area, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, after completing their general dental education. Only bona fide orthodontists get to be members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Courtesy of American Association of Orthodontists