Every parent wishes for the best for their child’s health. This includes their teeth and smile. If your child has jaw problems, an uncomfortable bite, or misaligned teeth, you might wonder when the right time to get braces is.
While most people think braces are only for teenagers, something that includes two-phase orthodontic therapy can start much earlier. This special sort of medical care helps guide your child’s teeth and jaw as they grow. It may even avoid bigger issues in the future.
In this blog, we will discuss two-phase treatment, how it works, and why it might be a bright and helpful choice for your child.
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a plan of action that occurs in two separate steps, usually over several years. The purpose is to enhance your child’s dental health and jaw development most naturally and effectively.
Orthodontists often begin treatment early, even before all adult teeth have erupted, to address significant problems and guide the development of the mouth.
- The initial phase of therapy usually begins between the ages of 6 and 10, while a child still has a combination of baby and adult teeth. This early intervention is intended to resolve problems such as jaw alignment, space problems, and bite distortions before they worsen.
- The second phase begins later, when most or all of the adult teeth have come in. This part often involves braces or aligners to move the teeth into their final, straight direction.
What Are the Benefits of Two-Phase Treatment?
- One of the greatest benefits of two-phase orthodontic treatment is avoiding future problems before they become tough to fix. Starting medication early allows the dentist to generate more space for growing teeth. Resulting in less crowding and better outcomes when the second phase begins.
- Another benefit is that it assists with jaw development. If your child has an underbite, crossbite, or overbite, it can impact the way they eat, speak, and smile. The initial phase of treatment concentrates on fixing the bite issues while the jaw is still developing.
- It also raises confidence. When your child sees their smile enhance, it increases their self-esteem. They may feel more pleasant speaking, laughing, and being around others. Plus, many kids are excited to see their smiles changing for the better.
- Moreover, two-phase treatment may mean less time in braces later. Since some of the difficult work is already done during the initial phase, the second phase is often shorter and simpler.
How Does the First Phase Work?
In the initial phase, an orthodontist will concentrate on the jaw and bite. They may use tools like amplifiers, space maintainers, or even partial braces. These tools help inform the growth of the jaw, produce space, and align certain teeth.
This phase typically lasts about 9 to 12 months. After that, your child will enter a resting period. During this time, the dentist will monitor how the rest of the teeth come in naturally. Your child may visit every few months for a quick check-up.
The objective here is not to make every tooth perfect, but to fix the big issue early. This sets up the second phase for success afterwards.
What Happens in the Second Phase?
When the second phase begins, most or all of your child’s adult teeth have grown. This typically happens between the ages of 11 and 14. At this instant, the dental specialist will place braces or clear aligners to move the teeth into their ideal position.
Because of the work done in the first phase, there’s a strong foundation already in place. The bite is better, and the jaw is in a healthier position. So now it’s just about fine-tuning the smile.
Depending on the case, this phase may last around 12 to 24 months. By the end of this stage, your child will have a healthy, stunning smile that should last a lifetime.
Is It Right for Every Child?
Not every child requires a two-phase orthodontic treatment. Some children may have normal jaw growth and straight teeth. In this case, a single phase of treatment during the teen years might be sufficient.
After all, children with crooked teeth, bite issues, crowded mouths, or jaw issues are often good candidates for early treatment. A trained dentist can check your child’s teeth and let you know if two-phase treatment is required.
Taking your child to the dentist by age 7 is necessary. This may seem early, but it’s the ideal time to identify any problems while their jaw is still developing.
Why Choose Dietrich Kelso Orthodontist for Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
When selecting a dental clinic for Orthodontic treatment, it is essential to discover a reliable provider for the great results. Dietrich Kelso Orthodontist is an excellent selection for an Orthodontist for Kids. Their highly expert surgeons use advanced tools and techniques to ensure thriving therapy.
Every step is controlled carefully, from the initial consultation to the final treatment. The expert dentists at Dietrich Kelso Orthodontist focus on relief and quality, ensuring that your therapy will last for years.
Dietrich Kelso Orthodontist is committed to reestablishing your smile with high-quality service and long-lasting results. They strive to make every patient feel cared for while getting excellent dental outcomes.
Final Thoughts!
In summary, your child’s smile is more than just something cute. It’s part of their health and pleasure. Two-phase orthodontic treatment can give your child the best chance at a strong bite and a confident smile. It helps fix problems early, makes the second phase easier, and can even shorten the total time in braces.
By starting at the exact time, you’re helping your child prevent bigger dental issues down the road. And that means less stress, fewer expenses, and a smoother experience for everyone. So if your child is around age 7 or showing signs of bite or jaw issues, it might be time to talk to an orthodontist.