Phases Of Treatment

The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to accomplish a functional, healthy, esthetic and ideal result that will remain stable throughout your life. It is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening, physical and facial changes.

FIRST PHASE TREATMENT: GROWTH MODIFICATION PHASE

The goal of first phase treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. The growth of the upper and lower jaw can be too fast or too slow than required. Such cases can be recognized at an early age and we can 'CATCH THEM YOUNG'. If children after age 7 are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment.

PLANNING NOW CAN SAVE YOUR SMILE LATER

Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established, providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to resolve with braces alone.

MONITORING YOUR 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 phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a 3-month basis.

SECOND PHASE TREATMENT: HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL TEETH

The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly as well as look beautiful.

MOVEMENT & RETENTION

At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records are made and a diagnosis and treatment plan established. Certain types of appliances are used in the first phase, depending on the condition. The second phase is initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 18-24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.

SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS

WHAT IS SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS?

If you have not shown at the right age or not got functional treatment done and if you have too big oversized jaws or too small underdeveloped jaws, then you require surgical orthodontics. Just as orthodontics repositions teeth, surgical orthodontics (also known as Orthognathic surgery) corrects jaw irregularities to improve the patient´s ability to chew, speak and breathe and for improved facial appearances. In other words, surgical orthodontics straightens your jaw. Moving the jaws also moves the teeth, so orthodontic treatment is done in conjunction with jaw correction. This helps to make sure teeth are in their proper positions after surgery. So, surgical orthodontics is a planned treatment combination of orthodontic treatment and surgery.

INDICATIONS FOR SURGICAL ORTHODONTICS

Surgical orthodontic treatment is indicated for adult patients having improper bites whose jaw growth has been complete and those with facial esthetic concerns. Jaw growth is usually completed by age 16 for girls and 18 for boys. All growth must be completed before jaw surgery can be performed. However the pre-surgical tooth movements can begin one to two years prior to these ages.

PROCEDURE

You have to start the orthodontic treatment atleast 6-18 months before the surgery. As your teeth move with the braces, you may think that your bite is getting worse rather than better. However, when your jaws are placed into proper alignment during orthognathic surgery, the teeth will then fit into their proper positions. Surgery is performed in the hospital with an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, and can take several hours, depending on the amount and type of surgery needed. In surgery of the upper jaw, the jaw can be repositioned forward or backward, or can be raised or lowered. In surgery of the lower jaw, the jaw bone behind the teeth is separated and the tooth-bearing portion is moved forward or backward, as needed. Certain movements may require the jaws to be separated, with bone added/removed to achieve the proper alignment and stability. Other facial bones that contribute to alignment may also be repositioned or augmented. After the surgery, you should be able to return to work within approximately two weeks. After the healing time (about 4-8 weeks), 'finishing' of the bite is again done by orthodontic treatment. In most cases, braces are removed within 6 to 12 months following surgery. After your braces are removed, retainer are to be used to maintain your beautiful new smile.

'Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile.'