Interceptive Treatment (Phase I and Phase II)
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses jaw and facial changes as well as tooth straightening. The major advantage of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal goals of health, function, aesthetics, facial balance and harmony, and a result that will remain stable. Sometimes Dr. Klomparens will recommend orthodontic treatment at an early age when there are still some baby teeth present. This type of treatment is termed Phase I or interceptive orthodontic treatment and is usually recommended for patients with more severe orthodontic problems. Interceptive orthodontic care is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. Dr. Klomparens will recommend interceptive treatment ONLY when the same result cannot be achieved if treatment is delayed until all or most of the permanent teeth are in place. Phase I is the first phase of an anticipated two-phase treatment plan. It usually does not eliminate the need for further treatment to align all the permanent teeth and detail how they fit together. However, interceptive treatment frequently makes the completion of Phase II treatment (full braces) at a later age easier and less time consuming.
What are the advantages of early interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- Influence jaw growth in a positive manner
- Harmonize width of the dental arches
- Improve the eruption of adult teeth
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improve aesthetics and self-esteem
- Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later comprehensive treatment
- Improve some speech problems
- Improve mouth breathing
- Preserve or gain space for eruption of permanent teeth
When is the best time to visit an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems, usually by age 7, or when the permanent first molars and incisors (front four teeth) are in. Your family dentist may suggest an orthodontic evaluation for your child, but a direct referral is not necessary. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be needed but Dr. Klomparens will carefully monitor your child’s growth and development to determine the best time to begin treatment. Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and a greater opportunity for more effective treatment. An orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age so we encourage you no matter your age to schedule a complimentary orthodontic examination to determine if orthodontics will benefit you.
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; othodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment . Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth and feel about your smile and yourself. Othodontics does more than make a pretty smile - it creates a healthier, happier you.
Why Choose an Orthodontic Specialist?
Dr. Klomparens is a Specialist in Orthodontics. To be called an Orthodontist, you are required to take 2 to 3 years of specialized education beyond required of a dentist. All orthodontists are dentists but unless you are a licensed specialist, dentists are not orthodontists. Orthodontists learn the proper way to align your bite and straighten teeth and must pass a rigorous examination by the state board to become a licensed orthodontist. Orthodontists are specialists in creating straight teeth and a beautiful smile but even more important for your long term oral health they are specialists in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.