Phase 1

Treatment Overview

Phase 1 will consist of metal braces and possibly custom made appliances to help with the orthodontic treatment. Typical treatment time is 6-12 months, but your actual treatment time will varybased on several factors.

Early treatment typically begins between ages six to nine. the goal of treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as crowding, crossible, underbite, or to help stop a thumb or finger sucking habits. Phase 1 treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, possible lessening the chance of extractions in the future.

Limited Treatment

Treatment Overview

Limited orthodontic treatment, as the name suggests, may include any number of bite alignment treatment plans that target a limited area of the mouth. This can include aligning just the front teeth or just the back teeth, addressing concerns with minor crowding, reducing too-large gaps between teeth, or other issues that do not affect the entire bite. Many times limited treatment is performed on patients who have had braces before to correct any relapse for not wearing retainers. These treatments are typically completed in a relatively short period of time between 6-12 months.

Comprehensive Treatment

Treatment Overview

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is the most common type of treatment that patients receive and completely corrects bite problems from start-to-finish in one stage. It is appropriate for young adults and children who have lost all or almost all of their baby teeth. In general, it involves use of braces on upper and/or lower teeth to shift or correct bite problems.

In general, orthodontic treatment ranges from less two years to three years, but the average is typically 2 years in length. The actual treatment time depends on the severity of the original bite problem, the growth of the jaws and face, the degree of movement possible, and the cooperation of the patient. It is important to remember that some individuals simply respond faster to treatment than others, and the technology chosen will significantly affect the length of treatment.