What is the difference between Phase I & Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, can help prevent a problem from developing, intercept a developing problem, and guide the growth of the jaw bones that support the teeth. Children who may need additional space for teeth to come in (crowding), correct a crossbite, underbite, or harmful oral habits would be some examples of Phase I orthopaedic treatment. If a child has early moderate to severe crowding due to narrow dental arches, early expansion to correct the arch width protects the front teeth, prevents the impaction of cuspids, and allows most children to be treated without the removal of permanent teeth (except third molars). Phase I is done before all the permanent teeth have erupted. Average time for 1st Phase is between 14-16 months active treatment. Phase II treatment, or Comprehensive treatment, is done when the permanent dentition is in. This phase of treatment moves the permanent teeth into their final position. This may involve additional expansion, full braces, bit
