We strive to provide the best esthetic and functional orthodontic results in the most efficient manner possible. Usually this can be done by our patients undergoing one phase of treatment after all the permanent teeth have erupted. However, in limited cases, some patients benefit from early and late phases of treatment, which allow more optimal results than if treated by a single phase only. This process is called Two-Phase Treatment.

What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening along with facial changes. The major advantage of two-phase treatment, when indicated, is to maximize the opportunity to provide optimal health, function, and esthetics that will remain stable throughout a lifetime.

What if I put off treatment?

Planning now can save your smile later. In many cases, having only one phase of treatment yields the possibility of a compromised result. The key is to determine which patients will benefit most from undergoing early intervention. If we feel we can obtain the same result via waiting for full eruption and undergoing one phase of treatment, then one-phase is our choice. However, quite often there is a disadvantage to waiting.

First Phase Treatment: Your foundation for a lifetime of beautiful teeth

Because they are growing rapidly, some children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances that change the growth of upper and lower jaws. This early correction may prevent the need for later removal of permanent teeth, and/or prevent the need for future surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to treat with braces alone.

Resting Period

In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. In many instances, a successful first phase will have created sufficient space for all teeth to erupt, thus preventing impacted or severely displaced teeth. However, teeth are not in their final positions at this time. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are needed, until the timing is right to undergo the final stage of treatment.

Second Phase Treatment: Stay healthy and look attractive

The second phase of treatment is not initiated until all permanent teeth have erupted. The goal during this phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, we will have accomplished our goals of creating a beautiful smile with optimal chewing efficiency.