What is Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) and Phase II treatment?
Phase I or interceptive treatment is designed to correct skeletal imbalances. It is not intended to make the teeth straight. Phase I treatment usually starts about the age of seven to ten. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept moderate or severe skeletal problems early in order to reduce or eliminate them. Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This helps reduce the need for extractions or surgery. All Phase I patients require a Phase II treatment in order to achieve an ideal bite.
Phase II treatment usually occurs a number of years later when all of the permanent teeth have erupted at the age of 12 or 13. The goal of Phase II treatment is to straighten the teeth and achieve an ideal occlusion.
What is Full or Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?
This is another name for orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition at any age. It is more commonly used when a Phase I treatment was not performed.
Does everyone need a Phase I treatment?
Absolutely not! Only certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most if not all their permanent teeth erupt.
Can I wait on Phase I/Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment until my child is older?
This is not recommended. If your child needs Phase I treatment this usually means that they have a difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options become limited and more difficult. In addition, it may lead to extractions, oral surgery and increase costs.
What is the length or duration of orthodontic treatment?
Braces may be on between 9 months to 24 months, or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient's cooperation, and the degree of movement possible.
What are extraction and non-extraction therapy?
Extraction therapy is a technique where some permanent teeth are removed to make room for the other teeth in your child's mouth. Extractions are done when there is severe crowding of the teeth, and simply squeezing all of the teeth in would create an unhealthy and unstable environment for all of the teeth.
Non-extraction therapy is when no permanent teeth need to be removed other than wisdom teeth in order to align the teeth in a healthy and stable position.