Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment Hartford County, CT

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines teeth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic results that will remain stable throughout your child's life. At our Hartford County locations of Rosenberg Orthodontics, our skilled dental team provides two-phase orthodontic treatment in order to aid in jaw development before a secondary orthodontic procedure. To learn more about two-phase treatment for your child, contact one of our facilities today to schedule an initial consultation.

It is widely known there are several oral health benefits of orthodontics, but many parents may be wondering what the advantages are of two-phase treatments. Two-phase treatments offer several benefits, such as:

• Lessens the chance of needing invasive, costly oral surgeries later in life
• Prevents oral conditions, including severe crowing and impactions
• Enhances facial symmetry
• Creates a stable, balanced bite
• Contributes to improved overall health by boosting and preserving oral health

The best candidates for two-phase orthodontic treatment are typically young children who have early signs of jaw problems. This may include issues with their bite, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, as well as overcrowding of the teeth. With two-phase orthodontic treatment, it is best to start early in order to achieve optimal and long-lasting results for your child. Putting off treatment can result in a need for more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your child's smile. 

The goal of phase one treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often exhibit symptoms of jaw issues as they grow and develop. An upper jaw that is growing too much or is too narrow can be recognized at an early age. If children over the age of six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Also, if children around the age of eight have crowded front teeth, early treatment can prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later. During phase one, a customized treatment plan will be created to help correct jaw problems to help reduce the need for a future surgical procedure. Certain types of appliances may be used in the first phase to correct and realign the teeth and jaw. Orthodontic records will also be created during phase one in order to track your child's progress, allowing adjustments to be made whenever necessary.

In the resting period, the remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt. Retaining devices may not be recommended if they would interfere with eruption, and it is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement. A successful first phase will have created room for permanent teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced.

The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it fits well within association with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly. Phase two usually involves full upper and lower braces.

At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan was established. The second phase begins when all permanent teeth have erupted and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure your child retains their beautiful smile.

After the various stages of braces are complete, it is essential that your child maintain their results by wearing a custom retainer. In some instances, we may opt to attach a retainer to the teeth permanently. If that is the case, all your child will need to do is protect the retainer from damage. If your child has a removable retainer, it will likely need to be worn for 20–22 hours a day to keep the teeth from shifting out of place. As time progresses, they will be able to wear the retainer less and less, eventually only needing to wear it a few nights a week. Wearing a retainer is extremely important to preserving the results of two-phase treatments, and if not worn as instructed, it may result in your child needing orthodontic treatment again.

Insurance coverage will vary from patient to patient, depending on the extent of each individual treatment plan. During your consultation, a member of our financial team will be able to determine your coverage and identify any additional out-of-pocket costs. We can also discuss payment plans and help you find low-interest financing options.

Do all children need phase 1 treatments?
No, not all children will require two-phase treatments. Two-phase treatments are commonly recommended for children who are showing signs of or already have jaw problems. To learn more about two-phase treatment or to see if your child is a good candidate for this treatment, contact our Hartford County, CT office to schedule a consultation.

How long does the second phase of braces take?
Because the second phase of braces cannot begin until all of the permanent teeth have erupted, the length of time a patient needs to wear phase 2 braces will depend on their jaw problems. Everyone is different, so our team will create a personalized treatment plan to meet your child's unique dental needs.

Are phase 2 braces always necessary?
In some cases, jaw problems are resolved in phase 1 treatment. However, the majority of cases will likely need to wear phase 2 braces to ensure that the jaw concern is treated properly.

The development of your child's jaw can greatly affect both the functionality and appearance of their smile. Thankfully, with two-phase orthodontic treatment, our team at Rosenberg Orthodontics can transform their smile while also preventing future problems. Contact one of our Hartford County locations to learn more and to schedule a consultation.