Dr. Daniel Moheban provides two-phase treatment for pediatric patients in Worcester, MA. We offer this orthodontic service to new and existing patients. Two-phase treatment helps young patients with myofunctional habits and orthodontic concerns.
Myofunctional habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrust can impact the palate, jaw, and teeth. Addressing bad habits and orthodontic problems like overcrowding is a part of preventative care. In many cases, two-phase treatment can prevent the need for complex dental treatments, tooth extractions, and surgeries later in life.
Treating Developmental Problems with Two-Phase Treatment
The first part of two-phase treatment can prevent problems that impact your child’s oral development. Common signs of oral developmental problems in children can include:
- Thumb sucking
- Overcrowded teeth
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Tongue thrust
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Teeth that don’t make contact
Routine, early dental care is essential to ensure that patients don’t develop oral health problems later in life. Our team examines the smile during regular pediatric appointments and can catch problems that myofunctional habits can create.
Not all children will require two-phase orthodontic care. In fact, most children may only need orthodontic dental care once. We’ll recommend a two-phase orthodontic treatment for children with signs of overcrowding or malocclusion.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment in Worcester, MA
Our dental office will thoroughly examine your child’s smile to understand their needs and provide quality, detailed care. Learn what happens during two-phase treatment:
1st Phase
During the first phase of treatment, we examine and analyze the oral cavity and jaw. Dr. Dan will determine if there are problems with tooth function, an underdeveloped palate, malocclusion, or musculoskeletal concerns.
The first phase of the two-phase process involves an orthodontic appliance. Orthodontic appliances can correct bite problems impacting speech, overcrowding teeth, small palates or jaws, and improve oral health development.
Some of the most common orthodontic appliances we suggest include a palate expander or Herbst appliance. We recommend this first phase when patients are between 6 and 9 years old.
2nd Phase
After the first phase of treatment, we’ll monitor your child’s dental health and development. Then, during the second phase of treatment, we’ll recommend metal braces to ensure that the teeth are properly aligned.
Phase two begins when children are 11 or 12, and orthodontic treatment can take 12 to 20 months. Ultimately, two-phase treatment can improve your child’s development so their teeth and jaw form properly. Early orthodontic treatment can set up your child for years of healthy smiles.
Two-Phase Treatment FAQs
Learn more about two-phase treatment in Worcester, MA, with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Is two-phase treatment more effective than single-phase treatment?
Two-phase treatment can work better than one-phase treatment for some dental and jaw problems. It can fix serious issues early, like a jaw that doesn’t line up right or teeth that are too crowded, before all the adult teeth come in.
In the first phase, we guide the growth of the jaw and make space for new teeth. Then in the second phase, we straighten the teeth and improve how the bite fits together.
For kids with more complicated problems, two-phase treatment can help stop bigger issues from happening later. It can also make the whole treatment process easier and shorter.
But single-phase treatment with braces might be enough for less severe cases. We’ll recommend the best approach based on your child’s needs.
What happens if we skip the second phase of treatment?
If you skip the second phase of two-phase orthodontic treatment, your child might not get the full benefits of the first phase. The second phase is important because it straightens the teeth and improves the bite. Without it, the teeth may not line up properly, and any jaw problems corrected in the first phase could shift back.
Skipping the second phase can also lead to more serious dental issues in the future, which could require more treatment or even extractions. Follow through with both phases to get the best results and avoid complications later.
Can my child avoid two-phase treatment and have braces later?
In some cases, your child can skip two-phase treatment and wait to have braces later. However, it depends on their specific dental and jaw issues. We often recommend two-phase treatment for problems with how the teeth or jaw are growing, like severe crowding, an overbite, or jaw alignment issues.
Does two-phase treatment help with jaw alignment issues?
Yes, two-phase treatment can help with jaw alignment issues. During the first phase of treatment, we focus on guiding the growth of the jaw to help it develop correctly. This helps children whose jaws are too small, too large, or don’t line up properly. We want to address these problems early to create a balanced jaw and enough space for permanent teeth to grow.
The second phase of treatment straightens the teeth and fine-tunes the bite. Together, these two phases can correct jaw alignment issues and prevent more serious problems later.
How can I help my child maintain their oral health during treatment?
Remind your child to brush their teeth at least twice daily and floss once daily. Help your child clean around braces or appliances to remove food and plaque.
Special tools like interdental brushes, floss threaders, and water flossers can make cleaning around braces easier. Also, help your child avoid sticky, hard, or sugary foods that can damage braces or cause cavities. Focus on healthy options like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
If your child plays sports, ensure they wear a mouthguard to protect their braces and teeth. Finally, encourage your child to wear rubber bands or other appliances as directed.
How do orthodontists determine if a child needs two-phase treatment?
We determine if a child needs two-phase treatment by carefully examining their teeth, jaw, and overall facial structure. Dr. Moheban may take X-rays, photos, and impressions of the teeth. This helps him get a clear picture of how the teeth are growing and if the jaw is developing properly.
We might recommend two-phase treatment if we notice severe crowding, an overbite, underbite, or a jaw that isn’t growing correctly. The first phase helps guide the jaw and teeth as they grow, while the second phase straightens the teeth and improves the bite. Our goal is to fix issues early to avoid more serious problems later.
How long does each phase of treatment typically last?
The length of each phase of the two-phase orthodontic treatment in our Worcester office can vary based on your child’s needs. Phase one lasts 6 to 12 months. It guides the jaw’s growth and creates space for permanent teeth.
After phase one, we monitor your child’s dental growth without active treatment. This period can last several months to a few years. Phase two typically lasts 12 to 24 months. It involves braces or other appliances to straighten the teeth and improve the bite.
What is the success rate of two-phase orthodontic treatment?
The success rate of two-phase treatment is generally very high when started at the right time. Studies show that children with two-phase treatment have a better chance of fixing serious dental issues. It can treat jaw alignment problems, overcrowded teeth, or bite issues early on.
Call Our Pediatric Dental Office
Are you noticing orthodontic problems in your child? Contact us for a thorough examination. Schedule your child’s next dental appointment online. Feel free to call Children’s Dental Specialties at (508) 625-5534.
Please ask us any questions about your child’s dental care. We’re here to help.