- Phase 1 Early Interceptive Treatment - The goal is to save space in the dental arches for permanent teeth and to help the upper and lower jaws relate to each other properly. This phase is predominantly for children aged seven to twelve with most of their baby teeth and perhaps a few permanent front incisors.
- Phase 2 - Basically, Phase 2 treatment involves using braces to straighten teeth.
- Final Phase - Retention - Despite the intensity and length of orthodontic treatment, the teeth tend to return to pretreatment positions. Wearing a retainer assures that your new straight, healthy bite will stay that way.
This second alignment stage of treatment begins for a child when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted into the mouth or for an adolescent/adult when all necessary major skeletal and space corrections have been made. Braces are placed on the permanent teeth and gentle, directed pressure moves the teeth into alignment. The bone and tissue in front of the tooth slowly gives way, the tooth shifts and the bone and tissue behind fill in the space. Every few weeks, the braces are adjusted to redirect the pressure. Over a period of months, a new smile develops!
All patients are unique, with unique personalities and individualized response to braces, but in general, braces take approximately one to three years to straighten the teeth. A few of the factors that determine length of Phase 2 treatment are growth of the face and mouth, co-operation of the patient in following instructions and the severity of the original orthodontic problem.
Don't be concerned if you or your child did not have the benefit of early interceptive treatment during the growing years. Many people don't begin treatment until their adult years. In fact, more and more adults are choosing to get braces every year. As an adult or adolescent, your treatment plan may involve some adjustments before braces can be put on, but so long as teeth and gums are healthy, a bite can be improved and a smile straightened at any age.
For a free consultation contact the Beach Braces office in Manhattan Beach.
