Early Detection Saves Your Child’s Smile Appearance
If you’re eager to see your child receive the best orthodontic care, our two-phase treatment is the solution you’re looking for. Our Wakefield and Westerly, RI, orthodontist, Dr. Frank DeQuattro, use these treatments as a preventative measure to help prevent complicated procedures in the future before your child’s adult teeth grow.
Read below to learn more about our two-phase treatment process and how it can benefit your child’s oral health in the long run.
Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatments
The two-phase treatments allow us to detect and treat any issues before they become a major concern. Early treatment can create a healthy environment for teeth growth and development as well as contribute to long-term oral health stability.
The two-phase treatments can help with:
- Normalizing jaw positions
- Ensuring teeth grow in their proper space
- Reducing the likelihood of permanent teeth extractions
- Helping the jaw and teeth work together efficiently
- Preventing the need for oral surgery
- Treating abnormal swallowing
Who Is An Ideal Candidate for Two-Phase Treatment?
When it comes to receiving our two-phase treatments, this is what we look for in an ideal candidate:
- Losing baby teeth before the age of five
- Having a mix of baby and permanent teeth
- Thumb-sucking after the age of five
- Biting or chewing problems
- Crowded teeth at ages seven or eight
- Teeth that aren’t aligning well
- Protruding upper or bottom teeth
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial screening for every child no later than age seven. Children this age have achieved approximately 80 percent of their total facial growth, and the two-phase treatment can complement the remaining development.
If you’re curious whether your child qualifies for our two-phase treatments, call our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264 to schedule your child’s first visit at DeQuattro Orthodontics today.
The Two-PhaseTreatment Process at DeQuattro Orthodontics
The treatment process consists of two phases, with one resting period in between. The treatments can take a total of five years or more, but these processes ensure your child’s teeth function properly to prevent future complications.
Phase One Treatment
Phase one occurs when the child is eight to 10 years old before all permanent teeth have grown in. Dr. DeQuattro focuses on obvious issues like severe underbites or crossbites during this early phase. This phase guides jawbone growth to better support incoming teeth and creates space to prevent crowding. Depending on need, the child may wear braces or a removable appliance during this time.
Phase one expands the dental arches and aligns the most problematic teeth. Once initial alignment is complete, your Rhode Island orthodontist will remove the orthodontic appliance and have your child wear retainers until phase two begins. This early treatment prevents major issues from developing.
Resting Period
Phase one makes sure your child’s teeth are growing properly after making some adjustments. During this period, the teeth are left alone to grow naturally. They move into their permanent place until we begin the second phase. Waiting periods between phases usually last one to two years but can vary based on each patient’s unique growth. Dr. DeQuattro will determine the ideal timing.
Phase Two Treatment
Once your child’s permanent teeth grow in, they’ll return at ages 11 to 14 to begin the second phase of treatment. This appointment confirms the teeth are properly positioned and functioning. Dr. DeQuattro adds braces to both upper and lower teeth to ensure proper growth. Phase two involves wearing braces for one to two years along with retainers until complete alignment is achieved.
Since phase one already corrected severe issues, phase two braces are worn for a shorter period than with one long phase. The second phase finishes the full alignment process, benefiting from the space created during the first phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we expect during two-phase treatment?
In between the phases, your child will need to return to their orthodontist’s office to monitor their progress and check the condition of their appliance. They may also take some X-rays to get a better picture of their progress and ensure everything is going as planned.
Will my child need extractions for two-phase treatment?
Extractions may be necessary depending on the severity of your child’s case. If there are extreme crowding or bite issues, their orthodontist may recommend removing some teeth to allow for proper alignment. However, the need for extractions will be determined based on your child’s specific orthodontic needs.
Does my child need to follow special care instructions while undergoing two-phase treatment?
Your child must maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout the two-phase treatment. They must brush thoroughly twice daily, floss each day, and follow any special appliance cleaning instructions from their orthodontist. Also, ensure your child avoids hard, sticky, or overly chewy foods that could damage braces. Follow all dietary guidelines and immediately contact your dental office if any orthodontic appliance breaks.
What happens if I stop the two-phase treatment?
Discontinuing two-phase treatment prematurely often leads to relapse of any progress made. Teeth may drift back towards the original crooked positioning without the full realignment of both phases. To get the best orthodontic outcome for straightened teeth and an improved bite, it isn’t advisable to halt treatment early.
For your child’s smile, trust your orthodontist’s expertise in completing the full two phases of braces for optimal lasting results. Discuss any concerns with them before deciding to stop treatment.
Your Child Deserves a Beautiful Smile
Do you think your child can benefit from two-phase treatment? Contact our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264 to schedule an appointment today. You can also book an appointment online, and one of our staff will be happy to assist you. We’re proud to provide services to Wakefield, Westerly, Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Weekapaug, and the surrounding areas.