Improve Your Smile With Quality Orthodontics in Billings, MT

Early and Interceptive Treatment (Phase I & II)

Orthodontic treatment today is predictable and successful. There are many benefits of correcting misaligned teeth. Straight teeth are more appealing to look at than crooked teeth. They also boost self-esteem and confidence. Moreover, properly aligned teeth enhance the speaking, biting, and chewing functions of the jaw. Irregularities are often found in childhood years. The good news is with the right orthodontics treatments, these outcomes can be reversed. Some irregularities include:

• Overbite – Upper teeth that protrude over the lower teeth.
• Underbite – Lower teeth that protrude over the upper teeth.
• Crossbite – Upper teeth attached inside the lower teeth.
• Overcrowding – Insufficient room

Depending on the malocclusion (bad bite) irregularity or severity, the perseverance of the patient, and the orthodontic devices used, it can take anywhere from six to thirty months to complete and may require the following distinct phases.

Phase I: The Planning Phase

Phase I, of early interceptive treatment, involves orthodontic treatment (i.e. partial braces, active retainer, or expansion) done before the permanent teeth have emerged. This often occurs from six to ten years old. At Bennion Lambourne, we recommend Phase I treatment for moderate-to-severe problems that need immediate attention. 

Phase I treatment helps develop your child’s jaws to help improve the relationship between their upper and lower jaws and make room for the eruption of permanent teeth. When a child’s upper or lower jaws are not growing enough or growing too much, early orthodontic treatment can be a great benefit. This early correction method often helps prevent dental trauma, of having to remove permanent teeth later or needing jaw surgery.

If a severe condition goes untreated, it could result in future problems that are too severe for braces alone to correct. It usually takes around 9 to 18 months to complete the Phase I treatment. After this, our patients usually wear retainers, while we track their development. Once most of the child’s permanent teeth have erupted, which usually occurs between ages eleven and thirteen, we recommend phase II treatment.

Phase II: The Active Phase

Phase II Treatment helps maximize the function and appearance of your child’s permanent teeth by moving teeth over time to position them. This is usually accomplished with Invisalign (removable) or full braces (fixed) that take between 12 to 18 months to complete. During this time, the orthodontist will make adjustments to ensure adequate pressure applies to the teeth.  

Because of the new developments in Phase I treatments, less patient participation is required with Phase II treatments. This means fewer rubber bands, headgear, permanent teeth extractions, and time spent wearing full braces. This is especially beneficial when a child reaches their teens.