Phase II Treatment

The Final Phase Of Early Orthodontic Treatment

At Horton Orthodontics, we believe in providing comprehensive and personalized orthodontic care tailored to each child’s unique needs. One of the key approaches in our practice is early orthodontic treatment, which includes Phase I and Phase II. After your child finishes the first phase of early orthodontic treatment, Phase II will begin. By understanding the significance of this phase and its benefits, you can make a more informed decision about your child’s dental health.

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What Is Phase II Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase II treatment begins after the conclusion of Phase I of early orthodontic treatment, which usually happens around age 7. While Phase I focuses on interceptive measures to address significant dental and jaw issues early on, this phase of treatment usually begins when most or all of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted. Usually, it will begin when your child is 11-14 years old.

What Is The Goal of Phase II Treatment?

The primary goal of Phase II is to make sure that each tooth is properly positioned within the mouth. This allows for your child’s best possible function, aesthetics and long-term health. Phase II treatment involves the use of braces or clear aligners to correct misalignments, close gaps and make sure your child has a harmonious bite.

Benefits Of Phase II Orthodontic Treatment

At Horton Orthodontics, we want the best possible treatment outcome for your child. This phase treatment offers many benefits for your child. Some of these include:

Phase II involves straightening the teeth. Straight teeth result in a more attractive smile, which significantly boosts a child’s self-esteem and confidence. A beautiful smile can positively impact both social interactions and self-image during these formative years.

Proper alignment of the teeth and jaws makes sure that your child’s bite functions efficiently. This not only makes chewing and speaking easier, but also reduces wear and tear on the teeth. This prevents potential dental problems in the future.

By addressing alignment and bite issues early on, Phase II treatment can prevent more severe problems from developing later in life. Correcting these issues during childhood can save time, money and discomfort associated with more extensive treatments that may be needed later in life.

Misaligned teeth can create hard-to-reach areas where plaque and bacteria can accumulate, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Straightening the teeth makes it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene, which, in turn, promotes healthier teeth and gums.

Orthodontic treatment during the growth period can help guide the development of the jaw and facial bones. This is important to make sure that your child has a proportionately balanced facial structure. A balanced facial structure can help the overall aesthetic and function of your child’s teeth and jaw.

By addressing orthodontic issues during the optimal growth period, Phase II treatment can achieve more stable and lasting results. With Phase I combined with the corrections made in this phase of treatment, your child’s teeth will remain in their proper positions for years to come.

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How Does Phase II Treatment Work?

This stage of treatment begins when your child has either all or nearly all of their permanent teeth. It involves placing metal braces, or Invisalign® or custom clear aligners, on both the upper and bottom teeth. Depending on your child’s case, this phase typically takes about 12-20 months to complete.

Contact Horton Orthodontics Today

Phase II treatment is a critical step in ensuring your child’s long-term oral health and well-being. By addressing dental and orthodontic issues early, we can provide your child with the benefits of a beautiful smile, improved function and lasting oral health. At Horton Orthodontics, Dr. Horton and our amazing orthodontic team are here to guide your family on their orthodontic journey—every step of the way. If you’re interested in learning more about early orthodontic treatment or Phase II treatment, or if you want to request a complimentary consultation, call us at (651) 738-9060 or contact us.

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Locally Owned and Smiles That Are Locally Grown

Individualized Orthodontic Care In Woodbury, Minnesota

Dr. Horton is a board certified orthodontist with years of experience and expertise in her field. She is proud to provide a locally owned and operated practice that offers a welcoming environment and cutting-edge orthodontic technology for all patients. Get started with the smile of your dreams today!