FIRST PHASE TREATMENT
The goal of the first phase treatment is to develop the jaw size
in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the
upper and lower jaws to each other.
Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they
grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much or
not enough can be recognized at an early orthodontic appointment.
Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously
from an early phase of orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances
that direct the relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good
foundation can be established providing adequate room for eruption of
all permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent later removal of
permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to
align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated
until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too
severe to achieve an ideal result with braces.
Orthodontic records may be necessary to determine the type of appliances
to be used, the duration of the treatment time, and the frequency of visits.
Records consist of models of the teeth, x-rays, and photographs.
At the end of the first phase treatment, teeth are not in their final
positions. This will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of
treatment. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation
are necessary, usually on a four to six month basis, between the end of the
first phase and the start of the second phase.
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SECOND PHASE TREATMENT
Each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony
with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium
is established, the teeth will function together properly. They
will stay healthy and look attractive. This is the goal for the
second phase of the treatment.
At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made
and a diagnosis and treatment plan established. Certain types of appliances
were used in the first phase, as dictated by the problem. The second phase
is initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted and usually require
braces on all teeth. Retainers are worn after this phase.
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ADVANTAGES TO TWO-PHASE TREATMENT
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that
encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The emphasis
today on living longer, staying healthy, and looking attractive requires
optimum treatment results. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment
is to provide the opportunity to accomplish an ideal, healthy, functional,
and aesthetic result that will remain stable.
The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth
and having only one phase of treatment, especially for someone with a jaw
discrepancy, is having to face the possibility of a compromised result
that may not be completely functionally healthy and may not be stable.
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All treatment plans in my office are designed to avoid the extraction
of teeth. I feel a full smile and proper fit of the teeth is best
accomplished when all the teeth are placed in their proper position to
each other and in the face.
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We are very pleased to see the number of adult patients that
come to us for treatment. They are sometimes nervous about the "process",
but find that with the clear braces (www.iceclearbraces.com) and high-tech wires, treatment
progresses without much discomfort or hassle. The results are quite amazing.
You're never too old to have orthodontic treatment and achieve the smile
you've always wanted.
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The Invisalign System from Align Technology is a significant
breakthrough in comprehensive adult orthodontic treatment. The Invisalign
System combines my diagnosis and treatment plan for straightening the
patient's teeth with the latest in 3-D computer graphics technology.
The System enables orthodontic treatment in discrete stages from an
initial to a final position. Each custom-made, clear appliance
(or aligner) is manufactured by Align Technology to meet my specifications.
Final fitting and delivery of the aligners occur in my office.
The nearly undetectable appearance of the Invisalign appliance is ideal
for many of the 50 million adults who want straighter teeth, but seem
to be put off by wearing traditional braces. The patient wears each
pair of Invisalign aligners (one on the upper arch and one on the lower
arch) for approximately two weeks before changing to the next pair
in the treatment plan. Aligners are only removed for eating, brushing
and flossing.
The Invisalign System has been in clinical studies since 1997 and
is demonstrating efficiency in mild to moderate crowding and
space closure cases.
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In some cases when the teeth and the jaws do not meet properly
and can not be aligned with the braces alone, a combination of braces
and surgery can put them back in balance and create an esthetic
smile and proper bite. We are very experienced with this treatment
and have an excellent oral surgeon as part of the team.
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Many people who suffer from such seemingly disparate symptoms as,
joint noises, headaches, earaches, tenderness of the jaw muscles,
or dull, aching facial pain often share a common problem. These
people may suffer from a family of problems relating to the jaw
(temporomandibular, or "TM") joint. These problems are often
referred to as TM disorders. The muscles and joints may not function
properly, resulting in cycles of pain and spasms. TM disorders can have
a variety of causes and, in many cases, can be successfully treated.
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Although I will always present an ideal treatment to our patients,
there are times when optional treatments or a compromised treatment is
preferred by the patient. We respect and honor our patients' right to
choose, and will do our best with whatever the final treatment is.
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