What is Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) and Phase II treatment?
Phase I or Interceptive Treatment usually starts while the child has most of their baby teeth and a few of their permanent front incisors and molars. This stage in development is usually about the age of 7. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in order to reduce or attempt eliminate it. These problems include skeletal dysplasia, cross bite and crowding and many other problems. Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This helps reduce the need for extractions sometimes or jaw surgery and delivers better long term results and future treatment options. Most Phase I patients require a Phase II treatment in order to achieve an ideal bite. Some patients may need additional phases based on jaw growth, initial patient response to treatment procedures and the desired end results. Phase II treatment usually occurs a number of years later when more perm
