Two-Phase Treatment

By age 7, most children have lost some front baby teeth and are getting new permanent teeth. Teeth eruption and alignment problems often appear. It is a great time to have your child assessed by an orthodontist, a specialist in facial growth and dental alignment. We can discuss any teeth concerns, advise if orthodontic treatment would be beneficial and discuss treatment timing.

Before and After
Ebert Orthodontic Treatment

Crossbite Before

Crossbite After

Openbite Before

Openbite After

Crowding Before

Crowding After

Flared Before

Flared After

Underbite Before

Underbite After

Borrowed Space Before

Borrowed Space After

Many problems can be treated with one phase of treatment when most of the permanent teeth have erupted (usually at age 12 or 13). However, some jaw and tooth position problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early and will worsen if left untreated until later. These untreated problems can create an unhealthy environment for the growth and development of a child’s face, jaws, teeth, gums, facial muscles and speech. There are many options to assist a child’s growth and allow for the best, most functional and attractive smile possible. Our goal is to provide each patient with the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time.

EARLY TREATMENT CAN OFTEN MINIMIZE FUTURE ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS AND ENHANCE JAW GROWTH, DENTAL DEVELOPMENT, JAW FUNCTION, AND SELF-ESTEEM.

Beautiful arches can be developed without bulky upper jaw expanders using our system of low-friction forces, high-tech wires, and light forces. This arch development helps correct crowding and upper jaw narrowness. This arch development is NOT from tooth tipping or moving the teeth outside of their supporting bone. This arch development comes from movement of the teeth within the bone. Traditional orthodontic systems have high friction and require heavier forces which prevent natural arch development. Upper jaw (palatal) expanders are often required in traditional orthodontic systems to correct crowding and jaw narrowness.

A first phase of treatment provides the opportunity to:

• Improve jaw and facial growth
• Reduce the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Correct harmful oral habits
• Improve appearance and self-esteem
• Improve the function of the lips, jaw muscles and tongue

FIRST PHASE:

This phase usually occurs at age 7 or 8. Usually braces are placed on some permanent and baby teeth to help correct the problems identified. The average treatment time is 9 to 18 months depending on the conditions to be corrected. Most patients who have a first phase of treatment will require a second phase of treatment when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted to complete the tooth and jaw alignment that was started during the first phase.

RESTING PHASE:

Between the first and second phases of treatment, retainers are used to maintain the first phase treatment results. The eruption of the permanent teeth is carefully monitored. During this resting phase, there are usually 12 to 16 permanent teeth that will erupt. The retainers will help guide these new permanent teeth into better positions, but we don’t have total control over their eruption and alignment.

SECOND PHASE:

This phase provides the opportunity to achieve an ideal fit, alignment and harmony of the teeth and jaws. This alignment and fit will help produce a beautiful, balanced smile. The second phase of treatment usually involves braces on all of the permanent teeth. This phase is not “redoing” the phase one work but finishing the results achieved in the first phase. Depending on the orthodontic condition and the cooperation of the patient, this phase usually takes from 18 to 24 months. After the completion of this phase, retainers will be worn to maintain the phase two correction.