Setting the Stage: Orthodontic Treatment in Two Stages -- Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

When most people hear the phrase "orthodontic treatment" they picture a pre-teen in braces. At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs and in some special cases, we may recommend starting earlier, sometimes even when a child still has his baby teeth?

In certain circumstances, diagnostic records make it evident very early on that developmental problems are in the works. Some examples include an upper or lower jaw that is growing incorrectly, or a situation in which there is not enough room in the mouth for all the teeth to erupt, or a severe malocclusion (the orthodontic word for "bad bite" which means the jaws don't come together properly).

Some patients with these special conditions will benefit from "two-phase treatment" which consists of two distinct periods of orthodontic treatment, the first occurring prior to the eruption of permanent teeth, and the second taking place some time later, after permanent teeth have come in.

Orthodontic work is best performed during stages of rapid growth. Should your child be a candidate for two-phase treatment, we will schedule the two phases based on typical patterns of dental development for your child's age group.

Phase One treatment generally does not involve braces, though in particular cases it may. More common is the use of other appliances, such as a palatal expander, which helps direct the growth of the jaw. In most cases, Phase One treatment serves to prevent or intercept a problem that could otherwise cause trouble in a child's future development. If the child's teeth are in an extreme state, this phase can also improve self-esteem. The ultimate objective of Phase One treatment is to provide a well-aligned, healthy environment within the jaw and mouth, into which the permanent teeth can erupt.

Phase Two treatment most often takes place quite a bit later than Phase One, after permanent teeth have erupted. This phase usually consists of more conventional treatment with braces, and serves to align the teeth properly in the mouth, building upon the foundation that was established during Phase One.

Remember that every patient is unique, and thus every treatment plan is unique. At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we carefully examine x-rays, photographs, and diagnostic records to determine the optimum treatment for your child's individual needs. Give us a call today to come in for an orthodontic consultation.