Early Detection
If you’re eager to help your child receive the best orthodontic care, we strongly encourage an evaluation to determine if two-phase treatment with DeQuattro Orthodontics is the optimal solution. Dr.DeQuattro uses two-phase treatment as a precautionary measure, while your child is growing to help prevent complicated procedures in the future.
Read on to learn more about the two-phase treatment process used at DeQuattro Orthodontics, and how it can benefit your child’s oral health in the long run.
Benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatments
The two-phase treatment offered at DeQuattro Orthodontics allows us to detect and treat most issues before they become a major concern. Early treatment can help 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 that teeth grow in their proper space
- Reducing the likelihood of permanent teeth extractions
- Normalizing the jaw and teeth to work together
- Preventing the need for oral surgery
- Getting treatment for abnormal swallowing
The Ideal Candidate
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 the age of seven or eight
- Teeth that aren’t aligning well
- Upper or bottom teeth are protruding
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial screening for every child no later than age seven. Children at this age have achieved approximately 80% of their total facial growth, and the two phase treatment can complement the remaining development.
If you’re curious as to whether or not your child qualifies for our two-phase treatment, don’t hesitate to call our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office (401) 596-2264 to schedule your child’s first visit with us today.
The Treatment Process
The treatment process consists of two phases, with a resting period in between. Treatment can take up to five years or more to complete. This ensures your child’s teeth function properly and will help prevent future complications.
Phase I
Phase I occurs before all of your child’s permanent teeth grow in. This phase can help prevent problems from developing and guide the growth of the jawbone to better support the teeth. Phase I makes sure there’s space for adult teeth to grow in, ensuring that crowding won’t become an issue.
Depending on your child’s unique need, they may be required to wear an appliance. This can be braces or a removable appliance that needs to be worn regularly until their second phase appointment.
Resting Period
Phase I helps make sure your child’s teeth are growing in properly. After this period, teeth are left alone to grow naturally. They will move into their permanent place, at which point we will begin the second phase to orthodontic treatment.
Phase II
Once your child’s permanent teeth have grown in, you’ll come back to begin Phase II treatment. This appointment, called an Observation, is intended to confirm all teeth are in their proper place and functioning as they should.
We’ll begin to add braces to the upper and lower teeth to ensure ideal growth. Phase II consists of wearing braces for approximately one to two years, after which retainers will need to be worn as directed by Dr. DeQuattro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we expect during two-phase treatment?
In between Phase I and Phase II treatment, your child will need to come in to monitor their progress and check the condition of any appliances they are wearing. We may also take X-rays to get a behind-the-scenes picture of their progress and ensure everything is going as planned. This period is referred to as Observation.
Will I need to follow any special care instructions while my child is undergoing two-phase treatment?
You’ll need to ensure your child is following the guidelines recommended by Dr. DeQuattro. It is important to continue to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. In coordination with maintaining a regular hygiene routine, be sure your child is complying with any additional instructions regarding their appliance and following any dietary restrictions.
Orthodontic appliances are designed to be durable, but even when cared for properly, they can break. If your child’s appliance becomes damaged or broken, do not try to fix it yourself. Immediately call our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264 to schedule an appointment. Dr. DeQuattro may be able to fix the appliance, or it may be necessary to have a new one made.
Your Child Deserves a Beautiful Smile
If you believe your child might 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 are also welcome to fill out our online contact form, and our team will be happy to assist you.