Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines teeth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of doing this in two steps is to optimize the opportunity giving you your ideal look that will remain stable throughout your entire life. 

Signs Orthodontic Treatment is Needed

Most people know that braces are used to straighten the teeth, however, braces can be used for far more than just lining teeth up. Braces are most commonly used for children and teens, however, in recent years, it has become a popular treatment for adults as well. 

The signs that you or a loved one might need braces varies from person to person. OralB explains that signs you could benefit from orthodontic treatment include:

• Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
• Adult teeth came in late or delayed
• Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
• Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
• Missing or extra teeth
• An overbite or underbite
• Jaw shifting or making sounds, which could signify a developmental issue with teeth and jawline 
• Incorrect jaw position
• A disorder of the jaw joint 
• Constantly biting the sides of your cheek or hitting the roof of your mouth
• Having a difficult time chewing food
• Only breathing through your mouth on a regular basis 

Early Childhood Signs Orthodontics is Needed

Some children can present signs at a young age that signify they may need early orthodontic treatment. Those signs in children include:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth (children typically lose teeth beginning around age 5 and should have all of their permanent teeth by the time they are 13 years old)
• Difficulty chewing
• Your child continues to suck their thumb after turning 5
• Speech impediments
• Protruding teeth
• Shifting of the jaw when they open or close their mouth
• Crowded front teeth

Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment 

Phase One

This is the early treatment phase that typically begins around ages eight or nine. The goal of this specific phase 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. In many cases, children show early signs of jaw issues as they grow. In that case, that is something phase one will work to correct. 

Planning treatment from a young age can help save your child time, money, and unnecessary pain later in life. Receiving early treatment as a child could help prevent the removal of permanent teeth as an adult, or the need for painful surgical procedures to realign the jaw. 

Resting Period

After phase one, there will be a resting period before phase two officially begins. During this break, a child’s remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they begin to erupt. Additionally, during this rest phase, we will monitor progress. Teeth are not yet in their final positions at this point. There could be selective removal of baby teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Henceforth, periodic appointments for observation are typically needed on a six-month basis. 

Phase Two

The second phase starts once your child has all of their permanent teeth. At this point, braces are typically required for an average of two years. This phase usually begins around age 11 and the main goal is to make sure that each tooth has a specific location in the mouth where it can sit in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. Once they are in the proper location, the teeth will work together properly, giving you a perfect smile. To accomplish this, usually upper and lower braces are needed. 

Adults and Braces

Braces aren’t just for young children and teens anymore. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says that 1 in 3 orthodontic patients are over the age of 18. In the last year, the number of adults seeing an orthodontist is at an all time high. Why is this? AAO explains that orthodontic treatment is just as effective for adults as it is for children and it provides adults with more than just a beautiful smile — it provides you with better dental health, too. 

For many grown adults, however, the idea of having metal braces isn’t appealing, which is why Dr. Ania is proud to offer Invisalign for adults. Dr. Ania can straighten your smile using custom fit clear trays that will gradually shift your teeth into place. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Whether you need an appointment to learn more about orthodontics or your child does — we’re here for your entire family. Call us today to make an appointment and get on your way to a happy and healthy smile: (303)-872-9940.