Early Treatment (Two Phase Treatment)
Amazing advances in technology have brought the profession of Orthodontics (braces) to a new age. No longer is treatment limited to teenagers but is available to adults of all ages and to children very early in their life. It is the early treatment stage that I would like to discuss. For many years orthodontists waited until all the permanent teeth were in to begin treatment of children. However, many disadvantages were evident with this waiting. In many cases permanent teeth needed to be removed in order to gain enough room to align the teeth properly. Because of this, facial profiles often became less attractive. Faces can become pencil thin rather than full and attractive; noses can look larger than they really are, etc.
1. Make enough room so that permanent teeth do not need to be removed.
2. Ensure that the patient develops the most pleasing face possible.
3. Assist the orthodontist in creating a beautiful natural smile.
4. Eliminate the use of headgear.
5. Eliminate the use of large retainer-type devices that pull the lower jaw forward and are uncomfortable to wear.
The goal of early active treatment is mainly orthopaedic. That is, we concentrate on the proper development of the upper and lower jaws. The tooth straightening portion of orthodontic treatment has also been revolutionized. Space age wires (titanium) allow us to treat in fewer visits with less interruption of school and work schedules and with very little discomfort for the patient. Add to this our routine use us of clear, nonstaining ceramic braces (metal are also available). it is easy to see what a wonderful investment early orthodontic treatment is.
Before Phase I treatment
After Phase I treatment, before start of Phase II treatment
