Keeping your child's smile bright and healthy is a priority for parents. While you may take your child to the dentist every six months, you might not know that it's possible to also take them to the orthodontist fairly early as well. Around age seven, your child can see the orthodontist in Long Hill, NJ, for their first exam, determining if they would benefit from early orthodontic treatment or not. This is known as a two-phase treatment. At Smiles by Lorino, you can be sure that your child's teeth are developing well and address any issues early to protect their smile. Here's how two-phase treatment works and how it benefits children in the long term.
Phase-One Treatment
Phase-one treatment focuses on creating a solid foundation for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. The primary goals are to help the jaw develop in a way that accommodates all permanent teeth and to improve the alignment of the upper and lower jaws. Children over the age of six with such jaw discrepancies or crowded front teeth around the age of eight are ideal candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Early intervention can prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later in life and reduce the likelihood of surgical procedures to realign the jaws. To determine the need for phase-one treatment, orthodontic records are taken during the initial consultation.
Resting Period
After completing phase-one treatment, a resting period allows the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally. During this time, retaining devices may not be recommended, as they could interfere with the eruption process. The goal is to let the existing permanent teeth move freely into their proper positions. A successful first phase creates enough room for these teeth to follow their eruption path, preventing them from becoming impacted or severely displaced. Periodic recall appointments, typically every six months, are necessary to monitor progress. Selective removal of certain primary teeth might be required to enhance the eruption process during this phase.
Phase-Two Treatment
The second phase of treatment ensures that each tooth finds its exact location in the mouth, achieving harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. This alignment is crucial for the teeth to function together properly. Phase two usually begins once all permanent teeth have erupted and typically involves full upper and lower braces. The average duration of this phase is around 24 months. Retainers are worn after braces to maintain the achieved results and ensure the longevity of the beautiful smile created. This phase builds on the foundation laid during phase one, perfecting the alignment and bite for optimal function and appearance.
Advantages of Two-Phase Treatment
Investing in two-phase orthodontic treatment offers several benefits. Early intervention can eliminate the need for more invasive treatments later in life and achieve lasting results. By addressing the functional and aesthetic aspects of the smile, the two-phase treatment enhances overall dental health and boosts self-esteem. It ensures that the teeth and jaw develop correctly, preventing issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and improper bites. This proactive approach leads to a healthier, more confident smile that stands the test of time.
Start Your Child's Orthodontic Journey Right at Smiles by Lorino
Two-phase orthodontic treatment offers a comprehensive and effective solution for achieving a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. Early intervention through phase-one treatment lays the groundwork for successful outcomes, while phase-two treatment perfects the alignment and bite. If you're considering orthodontic treatment for your child, two-phase treatment with Dr. Robert Lorino at Smiles by Lorino could be the ideal choice. Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist in Long Hill, NJ, today to learn more about how two-phase treatment can benefit your child's smile.
