|
|
|
Services | Appointments | Records | Two-Phase Treatment | Payments
 What is Early Treatment Orthodontics?
Early Treatment Orthodontics involves starting corrective measures to help children who still have dynamically developing soft facial tissues and jaw bones. Harmful developments can be intercepted before they become serious problems.
There are certain orthodontic and bone disharmonies that benefit from Early Treatment procedures:
- Skeletal and growth disharmonies
- Non-extraction correction of cases with borderline crowding
- Restoring lost space in the dental arches
- Severe esthetic problems
- Functional problems such as jaw displacements, crossbites, severe deepbites, and TMJ problems
There are a number of advantages to Early Treatment. Young bone is different than mature adult bone. Young bone is soft and pliable, and provides opportunities for certain types of growth stimulation, guidance, and shaping. Therefore, most serious problems can be lessened so later treatment can be accomplished more effectively and quickly. Furthermore, some future problems, such as the need for jaw surgery, can be completely eliminated.
Treatment of these problems at an early age can produce benefits that would be more limited and costly if treated at a later time. Early Treatment usually requires a Two Phase Orthodontic Program.
What is Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment?
A typical Two Phase Treatment consists of a first phase (Early Treatment) of approximately twelve months of active orthodontics in the mixed dentition (permanent and baby teeth are present). This is followed by a period in retainers while the permanent teeth erupt (and possibly a headgear at night). The second phase of active orthodontic treatment follows the intermediate retention period and takes approximately one to two years. It should be emphasized that the ultimate success of the Early Phase Treatment depends to a great extent upon patient cooperation in wearing the prescribed appliances, such as headgear or functional appliances.
As is the case for a Single Phase Treatment Program, the total active treatment time for two phases is approximately two to three years. However, a Two Phase Treatment Program has been split into two time periods, with each period being the best time to correct the specific problems of concern. The patient's skeletal problem, borderline crowding, and formative problems are most effectively dealt with at an early age, in the first phase of treatment. The extremely important final dental and bite refinements are most effectively achieved in the later second phase of treatment.
Occasionally, when a patient is being treated with a Two Phase Treatment Program, the permanent teeth erupt more rapidly than anticipated. If this situation should occur the parents will be advised, and the patient will continue directly into the second phase of treatment.
To summarize, a Two Phase Treatment Program will be recommended when it is of benefit to alter the jaw structure and oral environment at an early age, when growth is occurring.
Back to Top
|
|
|
