Phase 2 orthodontics might sound scary, but it's actually the type of orthodontics that people tend to be the most familiar with. Learn more about phase 2 treatment from our Burnaby Orthodontists.
Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment
Once your child has finished their phase 1 orthodontic treatment they may need to undergo phase 2 treatment once all permanent teeth have erupted. Treatment usually requires braces or clear aligners on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers are worn once your treatment is over to ensure your smile doesn't shift back out of alignment.
The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly.
Phase 2 usually involves full upper and lower braces. At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan were established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase to correct and realign the teeth and jaw.
Signs of Needing Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Any of the following signs may indicate your child is a good candidate for Two-Phase treatment:
- Losing baby teeth early (before age 5)
- Thumb-sucking after age 5
- Protruding upper or lower teeth
- Biting or chewing problems
- If teeth become crowded at age 7 or 8
- If the teeth don’t come together properly when opening, or any evidence of crossbite
If you are looking for more information on two-phase orthodontic treatment, book an appointment with our Burnaby orthodontists right away!
What Phase 2 Treatment Can Do
Help the jaws develop to ensure adequate space for all of the permanent teeth, especially the permanent canines.
- Intervene in a child’s prolonged sucking or abnormal swallowing.
- Makes for easier treatment in growing child that would require extensive treatment after growth ends.
- Fix the alignment of the jaw for under and overbites.
- May reduce the need to extract permanent teeth later on.
- Damaging pressure can move teeth in the wrong direction and/or change the shape of the bone that supports teeth.
- Tuck in upper front teeth that stick out to reduce the risk of those teeth being broken or knocked out.