Two-Phase Treatment
Aurora, CO
Dr. Garlock and his team use two-phase orthodontic treatment to address both facial bone structure and tooth alignment concerns. By splitting the treatment into two phases, he can correct all issues contributing to the general functionality of the mouth and teeth.
What Is The Advantage Of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
The greatest advantage of getting orthodontic treatment early is that it can help avoid and prevent problems from occurring in the future. It is important to note that early consultations do not always result in early orthodontic treatment. If orthodontic treatment is required, our orthodontic specialists at Garlock Orthodontics will closely evaluate your child’s growth patterns until we determine the best time to begin orthodontic treatment. This enables us to prevent future issues and achieve the best possible results for your child. Some additional benefits include:
- Helps improve speech
- Decreases risk of tooth decay
- Reduces teeth grinding
- Improves digestion
- Corrects harmful oral habits
Phase One
The purpose of Phase One treatment is to help the jaw develop in such a way that it can accommodate all permanent teeth and optimize the fit of the upper and lower jaws. Children often show early signs of jaw abnormalities as they grow and develop, such as an upper jaw that is growing too quickly or is too narrow.
If this jaw discrepancy is discovered in children over the age of six, they may be candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Also, if children under the age of eight have crowded front teeth, early treatment can prevent the need for permanent tooth extraction later on.
Resting Period
During this stage in treatment, the rest of the permanent teeth are left alone to come in. If any retaining devices risk getting in the way of eruption, they may not be recommended at this time. It is best to let the permanent teeth that are already there have the ability to move around a bit. If the first step went well, space will have been made for the permanent teeth to find their way out. If not, they could be hurt or forced to move away.
During this resting phase, depending on the situation, it may be best to remove some of the primary (baby) teeth to help the adult teeth come in. So, they need to be called back for observation every so often, usually every six months. As a result, follow-up appointments for observation are required on a regular basis, typically every six months.
Phase Two
The second part of the Two-Phase Treatment is utilized to fine-tune and repair any issues that were not addressed or resolved during the first phase of orthodontic therapy. When these concerns are fully addressed, the teeth will operate effectively together. Full upper and lower braces are typically used in Phase Two.
Braces are typically used during this period to properly place each tooth and maintain optimal function. The length of braces treatment will vary depending on the specific patient’s needs but are typically worn for 12-24 months. After braces are removed, a retainer is made and worn to keep each tooth in place!