Phase I refers to orthodontic treatment when there are both baby teeth and adult teeth present. As much work as possible is done in Phase I with the hope that we can prevent problems for your child. Phase I is a Preventative Phase of Treatment, moving teeth and sometimes the upper jaw to where they need to be to normalize the underlying condition at hand. It typically lasts for a 12-18 month time period.
Phase II refers to the stage when all or almost all of the permanent teeth are present. Without Phase I, sometimes all of the permanent teeth cannot come in! Phase II is a time in orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the straightness of the teeth, and to fully correct the bite. It typically lasts for a 12-18 month time period.
The ultimate goal is to prevent problems for your child. It is NOT to charge twice for braces.
Not everybody needs early treatment. Some reasons for early treatment (also called Phase I) include severe crowding, crossbites, underbites, impacted teeth, small airway, or extra or missing teeth. Every child is different, and our doctors take their time when explaining when early treatment is necessary.
There are only Phase I and Phase II, there is not a Phase III!