Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment 

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is one of our best tools for addressing crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth from an early age. Addressing these issues before they become bigger concerns in the future means we can help your child smile with the most efficient plan possible. But what is two-phase orthodontic treatment? More importantly, will your child need early intervention? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of two-phase orthodontic treatment from the Hansen Miller Orthodontics team. 

What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Not all children require early treatment, but for those who do, we use a two-phase system to address their unique problems and give them the smile they deserve. 

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized approach that focuses on guiding the development of a child’s teeth and jaw at the right stages of growth. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which typically starts in the teenage years, two-phase treatment begins earlier, often around age 7. This proactive method allows for early intervention, addressing potential issues before they become more complex.

How Two-Phase Treatment Works

While we call this system two-phase treatment, there are actually three parts to the entire process: Phase I, Retention, and Phase II. Here’s how two-phase treatment works. 

Phase I 

For a small percentage of children who require it, phase I treatment can begin as early as age seven and works best when your child’s baby teeth are still present. The goal is that by guiding their baby teeth in line, their permanent teeth are more likely to follow that path in the future. 

If your child requires phase I treatment, Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, or Dr. Wyatt will design a tailored treatment plan for their needs. Treatment options may include expanders for overbites, a Herbst appliance for underbites, or even an early round of metal braces

For most patients, Phase I treatment lasts between six and twelve months. However, this timeline varies from patient to patient, depending on their unique needs. 

Retention

After Phase I treatment is complete, your child will enter a resting phase called retention. They’ll wear a retainer during this phase to keep their teeth in position. This resting period gives your child’s permanent teeth the chance to grow. 

They’ll also meet with Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, or Dr. Wyatt every six to twelve months so that our team can monitor their progress to determine when it is time to start phase II treatment. 

Phase II

Now that both Phase I and the retention phase are complete, you should already see progress in your child’s smile. For some children, Phase I treatment is all they need for their permanent teeth to grow in correctly, but most children require Phase II treatment for the best results. 

Phase II treatment looks much more like the traditional treatment you see during the teenage years. Typically, we’ll apply metal braces to the top and bottom teeth, but we could also opt for clear aligners during this second phase. This process helps fine-tune your child’s smile, giving them results that will last a lifetime. 

Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment 

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Two-phase treatment can provide a range of benefits for your child, helping to create a healthier, more confident smile. Starting treatment at the right time during your child’s development can prevent potential issues and give them a smoother, more effective orthodontic experience.

Early Intervention

One of the biggest advantages of two-phase treatment is the ability to catch problems early. By identifying issues with jaw growth or bite alignment while your child is still growing, we can address them before they become more severe. Early intervention can also reduce the need for more complex treatments, like tooth extractions or surgery.

Improved Jaw Alignment

The first phase of treatment focuses on guiding the development of your child’s jaw. This early attention helps the jaw grow in a way that creates room for permanent teeth while establishing a proper bite. Additionally, addressing these skeletal issues early can help prevent complications, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Better Long-Term Results

By setting the foundation for healthy growth in the early stages, two-phase treatment leads to more stable and lasting results. Correcting jaw and tooth alignment early on makes it easier to maintain those results in the future. This means your child is less likely to require further orthodontic treatment as an adult, saving both time and money in the long run.

Boost in Confidence

Having a beautiful smile can significantly impact your child’s confidence. Two-phase treatment helps improve their smile at an earlier age, allowing them to enjoy the benefits during crucial developmental years. A well-aligned smile not only promotes oral health but also gives your child the self-esteem boost they need as they grow.

Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment 

Smile with Us

The best gift you can give your child this year is a straight smile. Whether they need early intervention or monitoring until they’re ready to start treatment, we’re here to help give them a head start on the smile of their dreams. Call us to schedule your free consultation in Henderson or Las Vegas today!