Two-Phase Treatment in Pensacola and Pace, FL

Two-phase orthodontic treatment allows Dr. Brooks to take advantage of a patient’s growth and development at an early age to better prepare the dental arches for the second treatment phase.

We recommend that children visit our Pensacola or Pace orthodontic office at age eight or by the first grade for an orthodontic assessment. During this appointment, Dr. Brooks will complete an exam and take X-rays to determine what type of treatment is necessary. We only recommend two-phase treatment when it is clinically necessary.

Phase One

The goal of Phase One treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together.

Resting Period

In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they erupt. During this time between treatments, we advise all of our patients to maintain their oral hygiene.

Phase Two

Phase Two begins when all the adult teeth are present. During this phase, we are able to manipulate and physically move the dental arch and teeth into proper occlusion using braces or Invisalign® clear aligners.

Not every orthodontic patient needs two orthodontic phases, but for those that do, it can save time, money, and discomfort in the future. For those who should receive two-phase treatment, skipping the first phase of treatment can cause future treatment to be limited. If a patient with a cross bite doesn’t expand the upper arch before the period of growth is complete, that cross bite can become very difficult to correct, possibly resulting in correction appliances or even jaw surgery.