Two-Phase Treatment in Woodridge, IL
If you’re planning orthodontic treatment for your child, two-phase treatment in Woodridge, IL may be the most effective way to obtain a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. The two-step specialty treatment straightens teeth and directs jaw growth in order to achieve a smile that is functional and beautiful.
What is Two-Phase Treatment?
Two-phase treatment is an orthodontic treatment consisting of two different phases that guide the formation of your child’s teeth and jaw. The first phase treats the growth of the jaw and the creation of room for permanent teeth. Phase two refines the alignment of the teeth to achieve a perfect smile. With this method, the optimal results in the long run are ensured, giving your child a beautiful, healthy smile for life.
What is the Advantage of Two-Phase Treatment?
Two-phase orthodontic treatment adjusts tooth alignment and jaw development at an early stage to get the optimal result possible. This gives your child a good opportunity to develop a healthy smile that will last throughout their life as they continue to grow. The early intervention means reduced chances of more complicated procedures being needed in their later years. We try to catch and treat problems early before they can become bigger ones.
What are the Risks of Delaying Treatment?
Waiting too long for orthodontic treatment can result in more complex and invasive procedures in the future. In extreme cases, waiting too long may even result in your child’s smile not being completely corrected. Early treatment usually results in more successful outcomes that last longer, so it is important to start sooner rather than later. For the finest treatment, visit an orthodontist in Woodridge, IL, who will walk you through the process and assist in getting the optimal possible result for your child’s smile.
Phase One: Laying the Foundation for a Beautiful Smile
Phase one of orthodontic treatment focuses on helping the jaw grow in a way that will allow all permanent teeth to come in properly. This phase helps the upper and lower jaws fit together better and can prevent issues later on.
Some children may have early signs of jaw problems, like an upper jaw that’s growing too fast or too narrow. These problems can often be detected as early as age six. If your child is showing signs of jaw issues, phase one can be started to help. Children with crowded teeth around age eight may also benefit from early treatment, which can avoid the need to remove permanent teeth later.
Early Treatment Makes a Big Difference
By starting treatment early, you can save your child from more serious procedures in the future, like extractions or surgery. Phase one treatment is all about making sure your child’s jaw is set up for long-term success. It’s not just about straightening teeth — it’s about making sure everything grows in the right way.
Creating a Treatment Plan
Before starting phase one, we will need to take some orthodontic records. These include X-rays, photographs, and models of your child’s teeth. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan that’s right for your child. It’s also how we determine the most effective appliances to use, estimate the length of treatment, and plan how often your child will need to visit for check-ups and adjustments.
Resting Period Between Phases
Once Phase One is complete, we take a short break. This allows the remaining permanent teeth to come in naturally. We usually don’t recommend using retainers during this time, as they can interfere with the eruption of new teeth. Instead, we monitor your child’s progress and ensure everything is on track. Regular checkups every six months help us keep an eye on how the teeth are moving and make sure things stay on track for phase two.
Phase Two: Fine-Tuning for a Healthy, Attractive Smile
Phase Two is the final step of orthodontic treatment. During this phase, we focus on making sure each tooth is in its correct position and is in harmony with the rest of the mouth. The goal is to create a smile where the teeth and jaws work together perfectly so your child can smile confidently and comfortably.
This phase generally involves full upper and lower braces. When all of the permanent teeth have come in, we’ll start phase two, which usually lasts about 24 months. By the end of this phase, your child’s teeth will be in their final, correct positions.
After Phase Two: Keeping the Smile Beautiful
Once Phase Two is complete, your child will wear retainers. Retainers are important because they help keep the teeth in place after braces are removed. This final step ensures that your child’s smile stays just as beautiful as when we finished treatment with the help of our skilled orthodontist near you.
Why Choose Girgis & Ito Orthodontics?
At Girgis & Ito Orthodontics, we are dedicated to helping your child achieve a smile that’s both healthy and beautiful. Our team is experienced in both phase one and phase two treatments, using the latest techniques and equipment to give your child the optimal care possible. We’ll guide you and your child through every step of the process to make sure the treatment goes smoothly and the results are favorable.
If you’re interested in learning more about two-phase treatment near you or want to schedule a consultation, contact us today. We’re here to help your child smile with confidence!
