Two-phase treatment occurs when a patient is evaluated and needs intervention before starting regular orthodontic treatment, resulting in two separate treatment plans.
The first phase of treatment, Phase One, usually occurs when the patient is a child and still has some of his or her primary teeth. The Phase One treatment plan may include preventive, interceptive or modifying treatment. Orthodontic appliances may be placed to prevent a problem from occurring, correct a current problem or help direct jawbone growth. A few specific problems are most efficiently corrected with Phase One treatment.
Typically, the second phase of treatment, Phase Two, is similar to regular orthodontic treatment. This involves placing braces on the patient once his or her permanent teeth have erupted. The braces straighten the permanent teeth and finish correctly aligning the patient's jaw.
Although two-phase treatment is occasionally an appropriate treatment approach, research shows that most patients do not benefit from having two separate phases of treatment. Rather, a single appropriately timed phase of treatment is usually most efficient and cost-effective approach to orthodontic care. For this reason, Dr. Pollei will only recommend a phase one treatment if there is a significant benefit to be achieved early that would not be possible if the patient were to wait until to be treated at a later time.