The goal of the first phase treatment is to develop
the jaw size to reposition the teeth in an attempt
to accommodate all of the permanent teeth and to
relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. The
first phase of active orthodontic treatment is at
an age when permanent and baby teeth are both present.
The duration of treatment is approximately 12 to
18 months.
Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit
enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment
utilising appliances that can direct the growth
of the upper and lower jaws. Thus a good foundation
can be established which provides enough room for
the eruption of all of the permanent teeth. This
early correction may prevent later removal of permanent
teeth to correct overcrowding and surgical procedures
to align the upper and lower jaws.
Interceptive treatment can also decrease the time
necessary for the second phase of treatment. Leaving
a malocclusion untreated until all of the permanent
teeth have erupted could result in a jaw discrepancy
too severe to allow an ideal result with braces
alone.
Orthodontic records are necessary to determine the
type of appliances to be used, the duration of treatment
and the frequency of visits. Records consist of
models of the teeth, radiographs and photographs.
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Intermediate
Retention Stage
Second
Phase Treatment
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