Two-Phase Treatment

At Hughes & Cozad Orthodontics, we’re not just about creating beautiful smiles; we’re dedicated to crafting healthy, functional bites that last a lifetime. Understanding each patient’s unique needs is at the heart of our practice. That’s why we specialize in two-phase treatment, a comprehensive orthodontic approach designed to address issues at the most optimal time for growth and development.

Two-phase treatment is an orthodontic approach that involves two distinct phases of treatment, separated by a rest period. This method allows us to correct structural issues at an early age, and then fine-tune the alignment of the teeth once they have all erupted.

Phase One: Building the Foundation

The first phase of treatment focuses on jaw growth and ensuring that the upper and lower jaws align properly. It’s about creating a solid foundation for the permanent teeth to come in correctly. During this phase, we may use appliances to guide the growth of the jaw in children, which can reduce the need for extraction or surgery later on. This phase typically begins while the child still has some of their primary (baby) teeth.

Rest Period

After the completion of the first phase, there’s a resting period where no active treatment takes place. This allows the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally. We’ll continue to monitor your child’s development during this time to ensure everything is progressing as expected.

Phase Two: Perfecting Your Smile

Phase Two begins once all the permanent teeth have erupted. This phase usually involves braces or Invisalign to perfect the alignment of the teeth and bite. The goal of the second phase is to ensure that each tooth is located in the best possible position for a beautiful smile and a healthy bite.

Benefits of Two-Phase Treatment

• Preventing More Serious Problems — Early intervention can prevent the need for more invasive procedures down the line.
• Improved Aesthetics & Function — By addressing issues early, we can often achieve results that might not be possible once the face and jaws have stopped growing.
• Flexibility & Efficiency — Starting treatment at an optimal time can make the entire process more efficient and, in some cases, even shorten the total time needed for treatment.

Every smile starts with a journey, and at Hughes & Cozad Orthodontics, we’re honored to be a part of yours. From your initial consultation through every phase of treatment, our team is here to provide expert care and support. Dr. Hughes, Dr. Cozad, and our experienced flock believe in personalized care tailored to fit your child’s unique needs, whether that includes early intervention, braces, or Invisalign.

Retainers

Removing braces or finishing your last Invisalign aligner signals the start of 12 months of supervised retention. Please remember that this part of your orthodontic treatment is just as important as the active movement in determining the ultimate success of your treatment. Once the teeth have been moved into their desired positions, a period of time is needed to stabilize them so that the surrounding bone and soft tissue can conform to your new dental alignment. When braces are removed, it is an excellent time to review several important aspects of care.

This 12-month phase, along with your initial retainers, is included in your original contract. Following the 12-month period, you will officially graduate from retainer supervision. Should you ever have any questions or need your retainers replaced, do not hesitate to contact our office. Visits due to lost or damaged retainers or after this 12-month window may incur an office visit fee. You are urged to continue to wear your retainers on a nightly basis to maintain your new smile.

Your teeth have a memory, and without retainers, they will move back to where they were before treatment. Your retainers are usually ready the day after braces come off, and it is essential that you pick them up on time. There are many different types of retainers and Drs. Hughes & Cozad will recommend the type that is best for you. They will also direct you on how much to wear your retainer. Typically, you will be asked to wear your retainer at night. Drs. Hughes & Cozad will see you for periodic retainer checks and guide you on the frequency of retainer wear that is prescribed.

Emergencies & Repairs

From past experience, we’ve identified the most common problems and provided solutions that can either fix or temporarily alleviate discomfort until you jump back on the path. If something becomes loose or broken, save any pieces you may have in an envelope and give us a call during office hours for an appointment. We will advise you if this can be repaired at your next scheduled visit or if a separate repair appointment will be needed. If you have an after-hours emergency that requires immediate medical assistance, you can page us by calling our main phone number and following the prompts for emergency calls. Dr. Hughes, Dr. Cozad, or one of their assistants will call you back shortly.