Two-Phase Treatment​

Cherry Orthodontics, Dr. William Cherry DMD, Orthodontist in Bethlehem Pennsylvania, Orthodontist in Schnecksville Pennsylvania, orthodontic treatments, spark clear aligners, surgical orthodontics, tads, types of braces, virtual smile assessment, common orthodontic issues bethlehem & schnecksville, clear aligners, damon smile, orthodontics for Adults, orthodontics for teens, orthodontics for children, Invisalign, Itero Digital scans, dentofacial orthopedics, mouthguards, retainers, emergency orthodontic care, palatal expanders, two phase treatment, invisalign smileview, early orthodontic treatment, orthodontics in bethlehem,orthodontics in schnecksville, Dr. William Cherry, DMD Family orthodontist, BETHLEHEM OFFICE (484) 893-5000,SCHNECKSVILLE OFFICE (610) 769-5100,NEW PATIENTS (484) 897-6088

What is the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment combines tooth straightening with physical and facial changes in a specialized process. This approach aims to maximize the chance of achieving a healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that lasts throughout your child’s life.

What if treatment is put off?

Putting off treatment can result in a need for more invasive treatment later in life that may not completely fix your child’s smile. Early treatment is most effective for achieving lasting results.

Phase One

A Foundation for a Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles

The goal of Phase One treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper jaw that is growing too much or is too narrow can be recognized at an early age. If children over the age of six are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Also, if children around the age of eight have crowded front teeth, early treatment can prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later.

  • Planning now can save your child's smile later
    Children benefit tremendously from early-phase treatment. Receiving early treatment may prevent the removal of permanent teeth later in life, or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws.
  • Making records to determine your child's unique treatment
    Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine the type of appliances to be used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records consist of models of the teeth, X-rays, and photographs. During your child's initial consultation, the doctor will take records to determine if early treatment is necessary.

Resting Period

In this phase, we allow the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally without interference. We may avoid using retaining devices if they could disrupt proper eruption. It’s best to give existing permanent teeth some freedom to move as needed. A successful first phase creates enough space for permanent teeth to follow the correct eruption path. Without this space, teeth may become impacted or severely displaced.

  • Monitoring the teeth's progress
    At the end of the first phase of treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. This will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment. Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a six-month basis.

Phase Two

Stay healthy and look attractive

The second phase aims to place each tooth in a precise position for balanced function. Each tooth must align with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth for proper harmony. Once we establish this equilibrium, the teeth work together efficiently. Phase Two usually includes full upper and lower braces.

At the start of the first phase, we took orthodontic records and created a diagnosis and treatment plan. We used specific appliances during Phase One to realign the teeth and jaw. The second phase starts after all permanent teeth erupt and typically involves braces for about 24 months. Afterward, your child wears retainers to maintain their beautiful smile.

Cherry Orthodontics Lehigh Valley Locations

Bethlehem Office
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Schnecksville Office
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