Phase 2 Orthodontics Greenwood Village
Top-Quality Orthodontic Care for Teens
Did your child complete Phase 1 orthodontic treatment when they were younger? If so, you are to be commended for investing in their future oral health! As they approach their teen years, though, it may be time to start the second stage of their orthodontic treatment. Here at Landmark Dental Studio, our Greenwood Village team is ready to assist your family with Phase 2 orthodontics. Contact us today to request an appointment for your child.
What Is Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 1 orthodontics usually takes place when a child is 7 – 9 years old. It uses special appliances to guide the development of oral structures and address issues like severe crowding, narrow palates, breathing disorders, and impacted teeth.
In some cases, Phase 1 treatment is enough on its own. In other instances, a second round of orthodontic care is necessary when a child gets a bit older. Phase 2 treatment often starts when a patient is around 12 years old. (Of course, this age can vary. Kids who are 11 – 15 can benefit greatly from Phase 2 care).
Braces are often the primary orthodontic appliance used for Phase 2 treatment. Its goal is to align the teeth and correct dental alignment issues before they start to cause more serious complications.
What to Expect During Your Teen’s Complimentary Consultation
Our team will be happy to help you determine if your child needs Phase 2 orthodontics during their complimentary consultation. If they had Phase 1 treatment, it is important that you bring them in for an evaluation at the recommended time!
(Important Note: Phase 1 treatment is not always necessary. In fact, most teens get the needed results with just one round of braces between the ages of 11 and 15. So even if your child did not get orthodontic treatment when they were younger, bringing them in for an evaluation is still important!)
During their appointment, we will visually examine their mouth and take some X-rays. The goal is to review your teen’s oral growth and dental development, as well as identify signs of poor alignment or bite concerns.
We want to design the most conservative approach to treatment that addresses the issues at hand, whether those issues involve crowding, bite alignment, or other key aspects of healthy oral function.
We will discuss our recommended treatment plan, including its cost, and make sure that both you and your teen understand the road ahead. After they get started with braces, they will need to visit us periodically (every 6 – 8 weeks) so we can keep things moving forward. We will also coordinate with our general dentistry team so your teen maintains optimal oral health throughout their orthodontic journey.
What Happens After Phase 2 Orthodontics?
After Phase 2 orthodontics, your teen will need to wear a retainer to prevent their teeth from drifting back out of place. At first, they should wear it full-time. Later, they may be able to wear it only at night. Their retainer may need to be replaced every few years (different types of retainers have varying lifespans).
If your teen keeps up with retainer wear, they can expect to experience some big benefits, including:
- An improved bite and better jaw alignment
- Simpler brushing and flossing for better oral hygiene
- Greater self-confidence during key social years
- Reduced risk of uneven enamel wear and long-term dental issues
- A straighter, healthier smile that has the potential to last a lifetime