Orthodontic treatment is a reliable and effective way to correct misaligned teeth. Depending on how severe the bite problem or irregularity is, treatment may be completed in two or three separate phases.
Fixing crooked teeth offers many benefits. Straight teeth not only enhance your smile and boost confidence, but they also improve how you bite, chew, and speak. Common types of misalignment include:
- Overbite – When the upper teeth extend beyond or completely cover the lower teeth.
- Underbite – When the lower teeth stick out further than the upper teeth, giving the chin a prominent look.
- Crossbite – When some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth instead of outside.
- Overcrowding – Not enough space in the arch causes adult teeth to erupt incorrectly or become rotated.
The Phases of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment usually takes between six and thirty months. The exact length depends on the type of bite problem, the orthodontic devices chosen, and the patient’s commitment.
Here’s a breakdown of the three main phases:
Phase 1 – The Planning Stage
The orthodontist carefully diagnoses the problem to create an effective and timely treatment plan. The first visits may include:
- Medical and dental evaluations – Oral health and overall health are connected. This step ensures any existing medical or dental issues are managed before starting treatment.
- Study models (casts or bite impressions) – You’ll bite into a tray with a gel that hardens around your teeth. These molds help the orthodontist analyze each tooth’s position.
- Panoramic X-rays – X-rays reveal jaw joint conditions, tooth roots, and hidden problems that guide treatment planning.
- Computer-generated images – These visuals help predict how treatment will affect your facial shape and jaw symmetry.
- Photographs – Photos taken before, during, and after treatment track progress and changes in your smile and face.
Phase 2 – The Active Phase
Using the diagnostic information, the orthodontist designs a personalized treatment plan. Then, custom orthodontic devices are applied to gently move the teeth into place. These may be fixed or removable.
Fixed braces are the most common and consist of brackets attached to teeth and connected by an archwire. Lingual braces are also fixed but placed behind the teeth, making them less visible.
Removable devices include systems like Invisalign, headgear, or facemasks. They must be worn for a certain number of hours daily to work effectively.
Whatever device you use, regular orthodontist visits are essential. Adjustments keep the right pressure on your teeth. And if a device breaks or feels uncomfortable, call your orthodontist promptly.
Phase 3 – The Retention Phase
After your teeth are aligned, braces or removable devices are taken off. Now comes the retention phase, which is crucial to keep your teeth from shifting back.
Your orthodontist will provide a custom retainer that you’ll wear as directed. During this time, your jawbone reshapes to hold your teeth securely in their new positions.
If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, please contact our office.