Orthodontic treatment encompasses much more than just visiting the orthodontist for braces. Many patients struggle with tooth and jaw alignment issues that extend beyond the power of basic orthodontic care. Although Dr. Mark Padilla prefers to offer conservative treatments in a single phase, there are some situations where an early phase of braces may be needed in order to allow for proper tooth eruption and help prevent larger problems, such as tooth impaction, root damage, or surgical treatment. Dr. and our highly knowledgeable team can predict when a patient may need to undergo more than one round of orthodontic treatment, and can plan their treatment accordingly.
Orthodontic treatment often occurs in two phases, Phase I and Phase II.
Phase I
Also known as interceptive treatment or early orthodontics, Phase I treatment is provided to children whose developing mouths show early signs of complex orthodontic issues that require early intervention. These problems include:
- Protruding teeth
- Underbites and crossbites
- Severe tooth crowding
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Oral habits such as thumb sucking
Phase I can minimize or prevent tooth and jaw alignment problems later in life by treating teeth before the permanent teeth have fully erupted. These problems, if not addressed early, often require surgery and/or extractions to correct once the jaws have fully developed.
Once Phase I is complete, our orthodontist will continue to monitor your child’s smile over the next few years to determine if Phase II treatment is needed.
Phase II
Phase II is the stage of orthodontic care that everyone recognizes. During this period, we will provide an orthodontic appliance to correctly align the teeth into a more aesthetic and healthy position. This phase occurs when the majority of the permanent teeth have erupted.
MP Orthodontics offers many options for orthodontic treatment, including traditional braces, self-ligating braces, ceramic braces, the Damon Smile System™, and Invisalign® for both teens and adults. Dr. Mark Padilla will gladly help you select the choice that is right for your smile.
To learn more about our two-phase treatment in Plano and Anna, Texas, and to schedule your appointment, please feel free to contact our office today.
