What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Posted on March 4, 2016

Phase I and Phase II refers to a specific treatment plan in which the patient is going through braces twice to get straight teeth. If somebody is young, between seven and ten years old, and they have a certain bite problem that could get progressively worse without early treatment, an orthodontist will recommend an early set of braces to help fix that bite problem.

This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of a crossbite, overbite, underbite, or harmful oral habits. This is Phase I. After a short time, the braces will be removed and the teeth will be allowed to grow naturally. Once most of the permanent teeth are in place, usually between the ages of 11-13, Phase II begins with a full set of braces. Phase I is considered to be “interceptive orthodontics” and Phase II is considered “comprehensive” orthodontics.