Two-phase orthodontic treatment is an ideal option for younger Overlake Orthodontics patients in need of braces. At our Bellevue, WA, office, we believe in providing conservative treatment to help you achieve your goals.
When early intervention is needed, the most successful treatments are often completed in different phases of development. With this two-phase orthodontics approach, we’re able to target the needs of your child when the treatment will be most effective.
What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized way of addressing the orthodontic needs of children. This treatment is not only conservative but also allows for the longest-lasting results possible. When we target your child’s straightening or crowding needs during specific developmental timeframes, we set them up for a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.
Early orthodontic treatment can help prevent the need for removal of permanent teeth later in life, and it can also improve jaw development so more invasive treatment isn’t needed down the road. We also keep detailed records of your child’s oral development, which allows us to determine the best options for their needs as they move through their orthodontic treatments.
Phase One
In the first phase of treatment, we focus on jaw health and development. Our goal is to help the jaw develop in such a way that permanent teeth have adequate room to come in and make sure the upper and lower jaws fit together properly.
Our team is able to recognize when a child is around age six if their jaw is too wide or too narrow. Additionally, around age eight, children will start to show signs of tooth crowding, especially in the front teeth. In these instances, early orthodontic intervention is key.
Resting Period
Throughout this phase, the remaining permanent teeth erupt. We avoid active treatment during this time to give the teeth time and space to come in without interference.
We also closely monitor the progress of teeth during this time. We assess the position of teeth as the permanent teeth come in, which helps determine the second phase of treatment.
Phase Two
In the second phase, our goal is to move the teeth into their ideal positions and set your child up for a healthy smile for the rest of their life.
This phase of treatment focuses specifically on the position and alignment of teeth. Each permanent tooth has an ideal position in the mouth, and we want to get your child’s teeth as close to these ideal positions as possible.
Delaying orthodontic treatment for kids can result in the need for more invasive treatment when they get older. Early intervention is best, so call Overlake Orthodontics to schedule a consultation. We will work with you and your child to determine the best treatment option to get their smile looking stunning.