Two-Phase Treatment

Start your two-phase treatment in Saginaw & Frankenmuth.
Two-phase treatment is a method of realigning teeth with braces and requires two separate phases. Each phase focuses on a different goal. The purpose behind the two-phase treatment plan is to combine both tooth straightening and the realignment of your facial skeletal structure. This treatment is meant to create an aesthetic result that lasts a lifetime.

Phase 1

The first phase is all about aligning the skeletal or orofacial structure before the permanent teeth grow in. During this time, we’ll take x-rays and photos of your teeth and jaw to determine whether early orthodontic treatment is needed. If your child’s jaw or bite is incorrectly aligned, this may lead to more serious issues later on that can be difficult or costly to correct. Treating these problems when your child’s teeth are still developing is much easier than trying to correct issues later in adulthood. Sometimes we need to extract baby teeth to make room for adult teeth and prevent overcrowding. Other times, we may require your child to wear a retainer to straighten their bite. Basically, Phase 1 is all about creating a path for your permanent teeth to be.

Resting Period

After Phase 1, you’ll go into what we call a “resting period”. During this time, your permanent teeth are left untouched to allow them to grow in. It’s best to avoid orthodontic treatment during this period to avoid interference with permanent teeth and to allow your teeth to move freely.

The resting period usually lasts about six months and it’s important to monitor the movement of your child’s teeth to determine if further steps are needed.

Phase 2

From here, your child will move on to Phase 2. This is typically when they’ll get braces. The purpose behind this phase is to ensure that each tooth has a designated location in the mouth and that it blends in with their facial features. This phase begins once all of their permanent teeth have grown in. On average, patients in Phase 2 of their treatment will wear braces for about 24 months. Phase 2 is typically when a full set of upper and lower braces are introduced. To ensure long-lasting results, retainers are worn to prevent the movement of teeth as they adjust to their proper position.

Whether or not two-phase treatment is necessary will depend on each patient’s situation and smile goals. It also may require a longer process than traditional braces. The time between each phase is also contingent upon each patient’s unique circumstances.

Let our Saginaw & Frankenmuth orthodontists know if you think you need two-phase treatment for yourself or your child, and they can help assess whether it would be beneficial.