Every parent wants to provide the best for their child. Many of us at Bowen Family Orthodontics are parents too. And any parent in Mullica Hill will tell you that finding quality orthodontic care can be difficult. But Dr. Bowen is a mom, just like many of you reading this right now. One of the most significant aspects of your child’s well-being is their oral health. As an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Bowen often recommends two-phase orthodontic care for her younger patients. But what is it, and how can it benefit your child? Let’s discuss two-phase treatment so that you can know how best to give your little one what they need.Â
Two-Phase Treatment: The Two-Hit Combo Attack
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized approach with two primary objectives:
- Optimize your child’s tooth alignment.
- Harmonize your child’s smile with the natural shape of their jaw and face.
This dual focus means your child can enjoy a healthy, functional, stunning smile that will last a lifetime.
But two-phase treatment is about more than just aligning teeth. It’s about proactively addressing potential issues before they escalate. It’s about guiding your child’s oral development in a way that paves the way for a lifetime of radiant smiles. And the best part? This approach is customized to your child’s needs to ensure optimal results.
Examining Each Stage
The two-phase treatment process might seem like a foreign language initially but don’t worry. Our team has you covered.Â
The treatment is divided into two stages. The first stage, or the “early intervention stage,” begins while your child still has most of their primary or “baby” teeth. This stage involves identifying and addressing small issues early. Taking care of them early helps prevent them from becoming more severe. The first stage includes monitoring your little one’s jaw growth, creating more room for crowded teeth, or correcting oral habits that could cause future problems.
Next, we enter a resting period. During this time, we allow the remaining permanent teeth to emerge naturally. This rest period is vital as it will enable your child’s jaw to develop fully, setting the stage for the next phase of treatment.
The second stage typically involves full braces or clear aligners, like Invisalign. If you have a favorite sports team or Disney character, have a look at our WildSmiles collection! The second phase focuses 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 dazzling, gleaming smile. This is where we start discussing “facial harmony.” It refers to the aesthetic balance of your child’s face.
By addressing orthodontic issues in two phases, we can often achieve results that are aesthetically pleasing but also stable and long-lasting. This approach allows us at Bowen Family Orthodontics to maximize your child’s growth and development to enhance their oral health.
The Remarkable Advantages of Two-Phase Treatment
Two-phase treatment is a journey (not a race) toward a brighter, more confident smile for your child. But what sets it apart? Let’s delve into some of the key benefits.
One of the most significant benefits 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 boost 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 benefits the most from this treatment? Dr. Bowen (along with the American Association of Orthodontists) typically recommends two-phase treatment for children who exhibit specific orthodontic issues early. Usually, we see these patients around ages 7 to 10. These issues might include crossbites, severe crowding, or protruding front teeth. We call these problems “malocclusions,” meaning “bad bites.”
However, it’s important to note that not every child will need two-phase treatment. At Bowen Family Orthodontics, we understand that each child is unique, and their orthodontic needs will be too. We individually assess each child’s needs to determine the most effective treatment plan.
Two-Phase Treatment Timeframes
During the first stage, our focus is on aiding your child’s jaw growth and setting the stage for the future alignment of permanent teeth. This stage typically involves using specific orthodontic appliances and lasts about 6-12 months.
Following this, there’s a rest period where the rest of your child’s adult teeth can emerge naturally. This rest period is essential for your child’s teeth to recover and prepare for the next stage. The exact timeframe might vary but might be several months to a year.
The second stage typically lasts around one to two years. It involves full braces or clear aligners. During this stage, we focus on ensuring each tooth is in the right place in the mouth, which frames the teeth with the lips, cheeks, and tongue to create a stunning smile.
At Bowen Family 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.
Two-Phase Treatment With Bowen Family Orthodontics
At Bowen Family Orthodontics, we’re passionate about creating beautiful smiles in our Mullica Hill community. We believe every child deserves a radiant, confidence-boosting smile. Two-phase treatment is just one of the many ways we make 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 Dr. Bowen today! Because at Bowen Family Orthodontics, we’re crafting smiles and building lifelong confidence.