Phase 1 & Phase 2 Orthodontics

Article by Dr. Leaver & Dr. Gardner

DOES MY CHILD NEED 2 PHASES OF ORTHO TREATMENT? WHY DO SOME NEED IT AND SOME DO NOT? WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH EARLY TREATMENT / PHASE 1?

When it comes to your children, providing the essentials is priority. A roof over their head, food on the table and clothes on their backs is a necessity. But along with the basics, you want to make sure their individual needs are met, especially when it comes to their physical, mental and oral health. Getting the best treatments and professional maintenance for their oral hygiene can greatly impact the longevity of their teeth and gums long into adulthood.

LEAVER & GARDNER ORTHODONTICS EXPOUND ON THE BENEFITS OF PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2 ORTHODONTICS TREATMENTS

PHASE 1 (ONE) EARLY ORTHODONTICS TREATMENT

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is also known as interceptive orthodontic treatment, which begins at an early age. Phase 1 treatment is performed to young patients with both baby teeth and adult teeth. It is usually only done under great circumstances when the dental development is in need of correction, or to prevent current dental or jaw problems from becoming more severe as the child grows. Not all children are in need of Phase 1 orthodontist treatments, but for those that do, it is a tremendous benefit to their overall dental care. When children are in need of the phase 1 treatment, it is a separate plan from phase 2, designed for early intervention. Retainers, or similar devices, or partial braces are examples of phase 1 treatments. They are to correct current dilemmas, and prevent future issues from occurring.

WHAT DENTAL PROBLEMS DO PHASE 1 ORTHODONTICS TREATMENTS CORRECT

Phase 1 treatments correct a wide variety of problems centered around tooth alignment, crowding, spacing, gum or periodontal health, jaw development and facial development concerns. It is common for Phase 2 orthodontist treatments to follow, but they are not always necessary. If Phase 2 treatments are needed, the duration of treatment is expedited due to the beneficial use of Phase 1 treatments. Treatments for Phase 1 is often done on patients between 6 and 10 years of age. However, it is recommended by the experts that by age 7, your child is given an orthodontic evaluation in the event early intervention is optimal.

If your child has been diagnosed or you notice any of the below conditions, consult with an orthodontist to discuss Phase 1 Orthodontist Treatments for early intervention.
• Dental cross-bites
• Skeletal cross-bites
• Under bites
• Excessive overlapping or deep bites
• Open bites (front teeth do not contact or overlap
• Jaw growth is not proportioned
• Severely protruding teeth
• Deleterious thumb is present
• Finger or tongue habits
• Clefts
• Severe teeth spacing or crowding

PHASE 2 (TWO) ORTHODONTICS TREATMENT

Phase 2 typically follows treatment from Phase 1, and covers the basics and continued treatment needed. It gets instituted when all adult teeth have erupted or have grown in, and braces are fully set on the top and bottom teeth to finalize the Phase I treatments. Some patients are only in need of Phase 2 treatments when early intervention is not a necessity. To better know what your children need for treatment, make an appointment with an orthodontist.

PHASE 1 EARLY INTERCEPTIVE & PHASE 2 ORTHODONTICS TREATMENTS IN LAS VEGAS VALLEY OF SUMMERLIN, NORTHWEST LV & HENDERSON NEVADA

Leaver & Gardner Orthodontics proudly treat both children and adults in orthodontic treatments. We can determine if your child is need of Phase 1 Orthodontist Treatments and consult with you on specific care and results. Call us today to make your appointment!