Phase 2 orthodontic treatment is what most people are familiar with. It occurs when braces are placed on the teeth and not only can it correct gaps and misaligned teeth but it may also correct overbite or underbite concerns. Learn more from Dr. Aly Kanani.
Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment
Once your child has finished their phase 1 orthodontic treatment they may need to undergo phase 2 treatment once all permanent teeth have erupted. Treatment usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.
The goal of the second 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, the teeth will function together properly.
Phase 2 usually involves full upper and lower braces. At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan were established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase to correct and realign the teeth and jaw.
Signs of Needing Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Any of the following signs may indicate your child is a good candidate for Two-Phase treatment:
- Losing baby teeth early (before age 5)
- Biting or chewing problems
- Thumb-sucking after age 5
- If the teeth don’t come together properly when opening, or any evidence of crossbite
- If teeth become crowded at age 7 or 8
- Protruding upper or lower teeth
If you are looking for more information on two-phase orthodontic treatment, book an appointment with Dr. Aly Kanani right away!
What Phase 2 Treatment Can Do
Help the jaws develop to ensure adequate space for all of the permanent teeth, especially the permanent canines.
- Fix the alignment of the jaw for under and overbites.
- Makes for easier treatment in growing child that would require extensive treatment after growth ends.
- May reduce the need to extract permanent teeth later on.
- Intervene in a child’s prolonged sucking or abnormal swallowing.
- Tuck in upper front teeth that stick out to reduce the risk of those teeth being broken or knocked out.
- Damaging pressure can move teeth in the wrong directions and/or change the shape of the bone that supports teeth.
