Two-phase Treatment Timonium, MD

Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Mohammad Izadi offers an innovative approach to treating myofunctional habits and jaw developmental issues in growing children. Dr. Izadi can correct orthodontic issues with a one-phase treatment. However, this is not the case for some children. Two-phase orthodontic treatments address the early signs of developing orthodontic concerns. Phased treatment supports healthy speech and jaw development and often prevents the need for more complex treatment later in life.

By utilizing the first phase, during the second phase, your child will mostly have a better experience. The length of time in braces will be shorter, and you avoid the need for extractions and surgery.

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Early Intervention for Lifelong Prevention

We encourage parents to bring their child in for an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7 to determine if phase one orthodontics is necessary. By this time, their six-year molars and permanent anterior teeth have emerged. Early orthodontic exams are especially important for children who practice myofunctional habits such as tongue-thrusting or thumb-sucking.

Signs of oral developmental problems include:

  • Finger or thumb sucking
  • Tongue thrusting
  • Crowded teeth
  • Early loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or speaking
  • Teeth that do not make contact

Phased-orthodontic treatment can help children address developmental concerns early on in life. Early treatment helps to promote lifelong oral health and prevents speech delays and potential social stigmatization later in life. Children with musculoskeletal imbalance or malocclusion issues benefit from early intervention and phase one treatment.

Phased Orthodontic Treatment Timonium, MD

Dr. Izadi takes a comprehensive and personalized approach to phased treatment. We get to know your child so that they feel comfortable and look forward to their orthodontic visits. We track your child’s oral development and progression and provide post-treatment support for a full year after treatment to ensure lasting results.

Each child receives a thorough functional analysis of their entire oral cavity and jaw. In Phase I of treatment, Dr. Izadi addresses the functional aspects of the teeth and jaw to provide orthodontic care that will support a healthy, stable smile. Our orthodontic care team’s goal is to minimize the risk of orthodontic relapse or the need for braces by treating the underlying cause of the child’s malocclusion or musculoskeletal concerns.

Phase I Treatment typically includes some style of orthodontic appliance.  The style of appliance recommended for use will depend on your child’s personal oral health and orthodontic concerns. Palatal expanders, sagittal appliances, and Herbst appliances are commonly used during Phase I. Dr. Izadi works with patients to build personalized recommendations on breaking myofunctional habits and how to best care for their oral appliance and their beautiful smile.

After Phase I treatment, your child will go through a resting period where normal mouth and teeth development will take place. Dr. Izadi will still continue to monitor your child’s development during this time. When ready, the Phase II orthodontic treatment can begin. This will most likely entail upper and lower braces and a much shorter treatment time since Phase I was utilized.

Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment FAQs

Can any child get two-phase orthodontic treatment?

No. You can treat most orthodontic problems in children in one phase of comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Children that show more severe symptoms early on do benefit from two-phase treatment.

Is early orthodontic treatment necessary?

The answer depends on how severe your child’s orthodontics issues are. If your child is showing signs of misalignment or overcrowding of teeth at an early age, then we highly recommend two-phase treatment. Not every child needs early orthodontics treatment.

Can you get braces twice or more?

Yes. If your first treatment fails for any reason, it is possible to get braces again. Patients that neglect to wear their retainers or wait too long to get braces are more susceptible. Orthodontic relapse is avoidable with two-phase treatment.

How long is Phase II orthodontic treatment?

Phase II usually begins when a child is 11 or 12 years of age. Typically, this phase of orthodontic treatment lasts between 12 and 20 months. But each case is unique, and our orthodontist will evaluate you on an individual basis.

What are the phases of orthodontic treatment?

The first phase of orthodontic treatment is the planning stage. In this stage, the orthodontist will diagnose your mouth and come up with a plan to align your teeth. In the second phase, the “active phase,” you will undergo orthodontic treatment to realign your smile. In the last phase, the “retention phase,” we will attempt to prevent your teeth from shifting out of alignment.

How many times does an orthodontist tighten braces?

Each patient is unique, but on average, you should have your braces tightened or adjusted every four to ten weeks. Your orthodontist will personalize your braces treatment to your individual needs, so the amount of tightening appointments varies.

Discuss your orthodontics options with Dr. Izadi by scheduling a consultation online, or give us a call at (410) 919-9806 today.