636-332-5550
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1139 Wentzville Pkwy.
(636) 242-5349
636-442-0446
1335 Queens Ct.
Are you curious about your kids’ first treatment? That’s a big deal! Where should you begin? In Dr. Humphrey’s experience, many child patients need two-phase orthodontic treatment. But what is that? And how can it help your family?
In today’s blog, the Humphrey Orthodontics team will survey a topic that often piques the curiosity of parents in Wentzville and St. Peters – two-phase orthodontic treatment. Imagine having a tool that helps your child’s teeth align beautifully and enhances oral health. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that’s precisely what two-phase treatment can do!
You might be wondering, “What is this two-phase treatment?” It’s a specialized orthodontic method that has two goals in mind:
What does this mean for your child? It means they will earn a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile they can proudly wear for a lifetime.
Two-phase treatment is not just about straightening teeth. It’s about taking early action and dealing with potential issues before they become more complex. It’s about guiding your child’s oral development in a way that sets them up for a lifetime of shining smiles. And the best part? This approach is not one-size-fits-all. It’s tailored to your child’s unique needs so that they achieve the best possible results.
Understanding the process of two-phase treatment can feel like learning a new language. But don’t worry. We’re here to walk you through it step by step.
The treatment is split into two parts, hence the name. Phase one, or what we like to call the “early intervention phase,” starts while your child still has many of their primary or “baby” teeth. This phase involves identifying significant problems early on, preventing them from becoming more severe and harder to correct. It could involve overseeing the growth of the jaw, creating more space for crowded teeth, or correcting oral habits that may lead to future issues.
Then comes a resting period. We let nature work during this time, allowing the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally. This rest period is crucial as it enables your child’s jaw to develop fully, setting the stage for the next phase of treatment.
Phase two usually involves full braces or clear aligners, like Invisalign. The focus here is on ensuring each tooth is located in the right place in the mouth, which balances the teeth with the lips, cheeks, and tongue to create a sparkling, glorious smile. This is where the doctor will begin talking about “facial symmetry.” It refers to the aesthetic balance of your child’s face.
By addressing orthodontic issues in two stages, we can often achieve results that are aesthetically pleasing but also stable and long-lasting. This approach allows us at Humphrey Orthodontics to make the most of your child’s growth and development to improve their oral health.
Two-phase treatment is more than just a process; it’s a marathon (not a sprint) toward a brighter, more confident smile for your child. But what makes it stand out? Let’s explore some of the key benefits.
One of the most significant advantages of two-phase treatment is its proactive nature. By intervening early, we can guide the jaw’s growth, correct harmful oral habits, and create space for crowded teeth. This early action often leads to a more balanced and functional bite and a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
But the benefits aren’t just physical. Early treatment can also positively impact your child’s self-esteem. By addressing aesthetic concerns earlier, we can help your child feel more confident about their smile during their formative years.
So, who stands to reap the most rewards from this treatment? Two-phase treatment is typically recommended for children who exhibit specific orthodontic issues early, usually around ages 7 to 10. These issues might include crossbites, severe crowding, or protruding front teeth. You might hear the doctor call these issues “malocclusions.” Don’t sweat that word. Think of them as “bad bites.”
However, it’s important to note that not every child will need Two-phase treatment. At Humphrey Orthodontics, we understand that each child is unique, and their orthodontic needs will be too. We individually evaluate each child’s needs to determine the most effective treatment plan.
In the first phase, our goal is the growth of your child’s jaw. Proper jaw growth helps create ideal conditions for your child’s permanent teeth. This phase lasts around 6 – 12 months. The doctors might use orthodontic appliances.
After this, there’s a rest period where the rest of your child’s grownup teeth can erupt under their own steam. You need rest. But did you know that your child’s teeth need rest too? They need time to recoup and heal from Phase one.
Phase two typically lasts around a year-ish. Two in some cases. It involves full braces or clear aligners. During this phase, we focus on ensuring each tooth is in the right place in the mouth, which balances the teeth with the lips, cheeks, and tongue to create a gorgeous grin.
At Humphrey Orthodontics, we’re committed to making the treatment process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We’re here to support you and your child throughout their treatment, answering any questions you might have and providing the highest level of orthodontic care.
At Humphrey Orthodontics, we’re passionate about creating beautiful smiles in our Wentzville and St. Peters communities. We believe every child deserves a beaming, radiant smile that boosts confidence. Two-phase treatment is just one of the many ways Dr. Humphrey makes this a reality. If you’re curious about how this innovative approach could benefit your child, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation with us today! Because at Humphrey Orthodontics, we’re creating smiles and building lifelong confidence.