As a highly trained specialist, Dr. Wilson can detect signs of skeletal (jaw) problems or facial orthopedic issues in children at a very young age. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is sometimes necessary to address these problems early, while development and growth are peaking, in order to prevent them from becoming worse.
The major advantage of two-phase treatment is prevention. Not having enough room in the mouth to accommodate all of the permanent teeth or misaligned upper and lower jaws can cause severe problems if left untreated.
Two-phase treatment consists of Phase One, or early orthodontic treatment, and Phase Two, or full orthodontic treatment. Phase One is typically initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10, and Phase Two does not begin until all of the permanent teeth have come in, usually after age 12.
Phase One (Early) Treatment
Because they are growing rapidly, children can often benefit enormously from Phase One treatment. The goal is to intercept improper dental development and/or modify the growth and structure of the jaw. Special appliances can slow down or redirect the growth of the jaw, improving the relationship of the upper and lower jaws. This establishes a good foundation and provides adequate room for all of the permanent teeth.
Early intervention may prevent the removal of primary (baby) or permanent teeth due to overcrowding or the need for future surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Waiting until all of the permanent teeth have erupted may result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to resolve with braces alone.
Please see our Early Treatment page for more detailed information.
Resting Period
Immediately following Phase One treatment is the Resting Period, where the patient takes a break between phases and all appliances are removed while the last permanent teeth erupt. Note that the teeth are NOT in their final positions. This is accomplished during Phase Two.
During the Resting Period, patients do not have regular visits to the office like they do during active orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wilson asks to see patients for periodic recall appointments where he observes the progress of the permanent teeth to make sure no unexpected problems arise. This is usually on a six-month basis.
Phase Two (Full) Treatment
Phase Two treatment begins once all of the permanent teeth have come in, usually around age 12. Beginning full braces before this point only lengthens the amount of time the patient has to wear braces, so Dr. Wilson likes to wait for all teeth to erupt, including the 12-year molars, prior to beginning the second phase.
The objective of Phase Two is to move all of the permanent teeth into the right position. Because the patient went through Phase One treatment, the foundation has been prepared so that Phase Two can focus on the cosmetic appearance of the teeth and on perfecting the bite. There should be ample room to align each tooth relative to the lips, tongue and cheeks so that the bite is comfortable and functions properly. The result is a beautiful smile for a lifetime!
Please see our Adult/Adolescent Treatment page for more detailed information.
As a highly trained specialist, Dr. Wilson can detect signs of skeletal (jaw) problems or facial orthopedic issues in children at a very young age. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is sometimes necessary to address these problems early, while development and growth are peaking, in order to prevent them from becoming worse.
The major advantage of two-phase treatment is prevention. Not having enough room in the mouth to accommodate all of the permanent teeth or misaligned upper and lower jaws can cause severe problems if left untreated.
Two-phase treatment consists of Phase One, or early orthodontic treatment, and Phase Two, or full orthodontic treatment. Phase One is typically initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10, and Phase Two does not begin until all of the permanent teeth have come in, usually after age 12.
Phase One (Early) Treatment
Because they are growing rapidly, children can often benefit enormously from Phase One treatment. The goal is to intercept improper dental development and/or modify the growth and structure of the jaw. Special appliances can slow down or redirect the growth of the jaw, improving the relationship of the upper and lower jaws. This establishes a good foundation and provides adequate room for all of the permanent teeth.
Early intervention may prevent the removal of primary (baby) or permanent teeth due to overcrowding or the need for future surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Waiting until all of the permanent teeth have erupted may result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to resolve with braces alone.
Please see our Early Treatment page for more detailed information.
Resting Period
Immediately following Phase One treatment is the Resting Period, where the patient takes a break between phases and all appliances are removed while the last permanent teeth erupt. Note that the teeth are NOT in their final positions. This is accomplished during Phase Two.
During the Resting Period, patients do not have regular visits to the office like they do during active orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wilson asks to see patients for periodic recall appointments where he observes the progress of the permanent teeth to make sure no unexpected problems arise. This is usually on a six-month basis.
Phase Two (Full) Treatment
Phase Two treatment begins once all of the permanent teeth have come in, usually around age 12. Beginning full braces before this point only lengthens the amount of time the patient has to wear braces, so Dr. Wilson likes to wait for all teeth to erupt, including the 12-year molars, prior to beginning the second phase.
The objective of Phase Two is to move all of the permanent teeth into the right position. Because the patient went through Phase One treatment, the foundation has been prepared so that Phase Two can focus on the cosmetic appearance of the teeth and on perfecting the bite. There should be ample room to align each tooth relative to the lips, tongue and cheeks so that the bite is comfortable and functions properly. The result is a beautiful smile for a lifetime!
Please see our Adult/Adolescent Treatment page for more detailed information.