Other Treatments
Phase I and Phase II Treatment
Many of our new patients inquire about the meaning and purpose of Phase I and Phase II orthodontic treatment. It’s entirely understandable, as these terms were not part of the orthodontic landscape when most of today’s adults wore braces. The concept of “split-phase” treatment has gained popularity in the last 10-15 years, making it a relatively recent addition to orthodontic practice.
The simplest way to grasp Phase I and Phase II treatment is to recognize that achieving a correct bite necessitates two fundamental components: properly aligned teeth and correctly aligned jaws. Correcting incorrectly aligned jaws, which can lead to overbites or underbites, is feasible as long as the jaws are still growing. This growth typically occurs until around the age of 12-13.
On the other hand, aligning the teeth effectively requires that all the permanent teeth have come in, a developmental milestone typically reached around the age of 12-13 as well.
When a patient presents with both crowded teeth and incorrectly aligned jaws, attempting to address both issues within a single phase of treatment of reasonable duration can be challenging. This challenge arises because the window of opportunity for one aspect of treatment closes just as the other becomes feasible.
Our preferred approach is to intervene in jaw growth during the critical period between 7-10 years of age, referred to as Phase I treatment. This strategic intervention sets the stage for later treatment.
Following that, we wait until all the permanent teeth have erupted before proceeding to align them. This is where Phase II comes into play, completing the orthodontic journey.
In cases where a patient has crowded teeth but correctly shaped jaws, we bypass Phase I and focus on a single phase of treatment once all the teeth have fully erupted.
At Tremblay Orthodontics, we prioritize delivering orthodontic solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring the most effective and efficient path to a healthy, beautiful smile.
Clarifying Your Orthodontic Journey
If you have questions or wish to learn more about Phase I and Phase II treatment or how they apply to your specific situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to guide you through your orthodontic experience and help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.