Two-Phase Treatment
Two-phase treatment is a comprehensive orthodontic process designed for children with specific orthodontic concerns that benefit from early intervention. It involves two distinct phases of treatment, each with its own focus and purpose:
Phase One: Early Intervention
This phase typically begins between the ages of six and ten, while the child’s jaw is still growing, and a mix of baby and permanent teeth are present. Phase One focuses on:
- Guiding jaw growth to correct issues like underbites or overbites.
- Creating space for erupting permanent teeth.
- Addressing harmful habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth.
During this phase, treatments may include partial braces, expanders, or other orthodontic appliances. Early intervention can help avoid the need for more invasive treatments in the future.
Resting Period
After Phase One, there is typically a resting period during which the remaining permanent teeth erupt. During this time, we monitor your child’s development to ensure everything is progressing as planned. This period allows natural growth to continue while maintaining the progress made during Phase One.
Phase Two: Comprehensive Treatment
Phase Two begins once all or most of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually in the early teens. This phase focuses on:
- Fine-tuning the alignment of the teeth.
- Ensuring the bite is functional and balanced.
- Perfecting the smile for long-term health and aesthetics.
Phase Two often involves full braces or Invisalign to achieve the final results.
Why A Two-Phase Treatment Approach?
Two-phase treatment can:
- Prevent serious orthodontic problems in adulthood.
- Minimize the need for extractions or jaw surgery later.
- Create a more balanced, symmetrical facial profile.
- Improve function, making it easier to chew and speak.
By addressing issues early and guiding the natural growth of the teeth and jaws, two-phase treatment sets the foundation for a lifetime of oral health.
Is Two-Phase Treatment Right for My Child?
Not every child needs two-phase treatment. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At Canton Orthodontics, we’ll assess your child’s teeth, jaws, and facial structure to determine if two-phase treatment is the best option.
At Canton Orthodontics, we’re committed to creating smiles that last a lifetime. If you’d like to learn more about two-phase treatment or request a consultation for your child, contact us today. Together, we’ll create a plan to set your child up for a confident, healthy smile!
Expanders
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about straightening teeth — it’s also about ensuring the jaws develop properly to support a lifetime of healthy function. At Canton Orthodontics, we often use expanders as part of early treatment to address issues with jaw size and alignment. Expanders are a powerful tool in guiding your child’s growing smile.
An expander, or palatal expander, is a custom orthodontic appliance designed to gently and gradually widen the upper jaw. It fits snugly on the upper teeth and applies controlled pressure to separate the two halves of the palate, allowing the jaw to grow and create more space.
Expanders are most commonly used in children and preteens whose jaws are still growing. They are recommended to address issues such as:
- Crowding — Making space for permanent teeth to erupt properly without extractions.
- Crossbites — Correcting situations where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth instead of outside.
- Narrow Jaw — Widening a narrow palate to create better alignment and improve oral function.
Benefits of Expanders
Expanders provide several long-term benefits:
- Improved Alignment — By creating space, expanders help ensure that teeth erupt in their proper positions.
- Balanced Jaw Growth — Widening the palate improves the overall harmony and symmetry of the face.
- Better Function — Expanders enhance the bite, making it easier to chew, speak, and maintain good oral hygiene.
- Reduced Need for Surgery — Addressing jaw size issues early can prevent the need for more invasive treatments later in life.
How Does an Expander Work?
The expander is placed by our team and adjusted periodically, typically with the use of a small key to turn the appliance and activate its gentle pressure. Over the course of a few weeks or months, the palate widens to the desired size.
Most children adapt to their expander quickly, but some may experience temporary sensations of tightness or increased saliva flow as they get used to the appliance. Eating soft foods during the initial adjustment period and maintaining good oral hygiene will help ensure a smooth experience.
Expanders are an essential part of many orthodontic treatment plans, creating the foundation for a straighter, healthier smile. If you think your child may benefit from an expander or want to learn more about how they work, request a consultation with Canton Orthodontics today. We’re here to guide your child’s smile to its full potential!
