Irvine, CA – At Updike Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic treatment to young children and adults. A common question we often hear from parents with young children:
What is a two-phase orthodontic treatment, and is it really necessary for my child?
Today Dr. Updike answers these questions and discusses the benefits of a two-phase treatment.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment (otherwise known as early preventative or interceptive treatment) is when a child wears braces even while some baby teeth remain, and wears them again once all their adult teeth have emerged in their teenage years. This treatment can be controversial, as some orthodontists suggest that a single phase of braces should be enough to achieve a perfect bite alignment and smile. However, there are benefits to a two-phase treatment.
Many studies that advise against two-phase orthodontic treatments conduct their tests using plaster molds. This does not take the soft tissue into account, and how the gums appear as they surround the teeth. Studies have shown that expanding the dental arches, which is a common technique during the first portion of two-phase treatment, encourages normal teeth growth and prevents gum problems.
Early intervention and a two-phase treatment may reduce a challenging and expensive surgical case into a simple extraction case. It could even change a simple extraction case into an expansion case which means you won’t need to remove any teeth. This means that two-phase treatment may be far less traumatic for your child and can significantly lower the cost of care.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment could also provide a psychological benefit for young children. It may boost your child’s self-esteem and limit the amount of embarrassment and teasing they receive from their peers.
Keep in mind that each child’s case is unique and there are many benefits if you choose two-phase orthodontic treatment but it isn’t right for everyone. If you are interested in orthodontic treatment for your child or have any other questions, please give our office a call at (949) 870- 9713 and one of our team members will assist you in scheduling a free consultation!
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