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The major advantage of two-phase orthodontic therapy is to maximize the
opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic, and
comfortable result. This result will be able to remain stable. Optimizing
the the time when the child is growing is of utmost importance in the case
stabiltity. The main disadvantage of waiting for permanent eruption of
teeth is that the final result may not be functionally healthy or stable.
More relapse occurs after treatment. Tooth extraction or corrective jaw
surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be required as well.
Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) is indicated for some orthodontic problems.
It usually begins when the permanent first molars and permanent incisors are
erupted (age 6 or 7). The goal of Phase I treatment is to "intercept"
an orthodontic problem before it becomes more severe and/or more difficult to
treat. Problems commonly treated in Phase 1 include severe skeletal imbalances,
crossbites and severe crowding. Interceptive treatment can make difficult
orthodontic problems more manageable. In addition, early correction of some
problems produces the most stable results. Most Phase I patients will require a
second phase of treatment (Phase II) for optimal results.
Phase II treatment usually occurs a number of years later
when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. (Generally age 11-12).
The goal of Phase II treatment is to achieve optimal alignment and bite of all
permanent teeth. Second-phase treatment most often consists of straight-forward
orthodontic therapy that will align the teeth. Phase II involves full braces,
which give maximum control over the movement of teeth. The correction of
rotated teeth, and any movement of teeth that involves more than simple tipping
movements, are best achieved with braces.
This stage usually can begin when most or all of the
permanent teeth have erupted into the mouth. If necessary this stage will
follow the first phase of treatment. At this stage all major skeletal and
space corrections have been made. Braces will be placed on all of the
permanent teeth and the the alignment stage will begin.
Regardless of the age of the patient the goal of phase II treatment is
to bring all of the teeth into ideal alignment. This phase
of treatment is the typical comprehensive teen orthodontic treatment initiated
at age 11 to 12. Treatment time can range any where from 12 to 24 months. The average
treatment time in our office is 18 months. The treatment time is
usually dictated by the severity of your case and your cooperation. The
fee for phase 1 is about 2500 dollars and for phase 2 is about 3000 dollars.
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