Two-Phase Treatment

Two-Phase Treatment is a thorough orthodontic approach that combines tooth straightening with physical facial changes. This dual method ensures a healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing result that is designed to last.

Phase One — A Solid Foundation

Phase One is the critical first step in the Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment. This phase focuses primarily on jaw growth and helping the permanent teeth erupt correctly, which are crucial elements in achieving optimal oral function and aesthetics.

During this stage, we may use specific appliances or partial braces depending on the individual’s needs. These can serve several purposes — they can prevent a potential problem from occurring, correct an existing issue, or accommodate newly erupted teeth.

The goal of Phase One is not just to straighten the teeth, but to create a better environment for the permanent teeth to come in. By addressing significant issues early, we can often reduce or eliminate the need for more invasive treatments later.

Resting Period — Giving Nature Its Course

Following Phase One, there’s a resting period. During this time, we remove all orthodontic appliances, allowing the remaining permanent teeth to erupt naturally. This pause is essential as it gives the mouth a break and lets nature take its course.

Regular check-ups are still important during this period to monitor the eruption of the permanent teeth. It’s also a great time for patients to enjoy a little freedom before starting Phase Two.

Phase Two — Fine-Tuning for Perfection

Phase Two is the final stretch where we ensure each tooth finds its ‘perfect spot’ in the mouth. The teeth are carefully positioned so they harmonize with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. This stage usually involves the application of full upper and lower braces.

The goal of Phase Two is to ensure optimal tooth function and create a balanced facial aesthetic. By the end of this phase, the teeth should be properly aligned and the bite should be correct, leading to an attractive and healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

The Two-Phase Treatment Approach: A Proactive Strategy

The Two-Phase Treatment is a proactive strategy designed to utilize your child’s natural growth process for optimal results. It can often lead to a smoother treatment experience and potentially reduce the need for extractions or surgical procedures later on.

Every child’s orthodontic needs are unique, and our team is here to provide personalized care every step of the way. At Mitchell, Bartlett & Bell Orthodontics, we’re committed to creating beautiful smiles that inspire confidence and promote lifelong oral health. Here’s to a journey towards a healthier, brighter smile!

Airway Orthodontics

Airway Orthodontics is a specialized field that focuses on how orthodontic treatment can affect and improve a person’s breathing. You see, the way we breathe, both during the day and while we sleep, can have a significant impact on our oral health and overall well-being.

The Connection Between Breathing & Oral Health

It’s easy to overlook, but the way we breathe is closely linked to the structure of our mouth and jaw. For example, mouth breathing can lead to issues such as dry mouth, gum disease, and even changes in the shape of the face. On the other hand, nasal breathing promotes healthier oral conditions and proper facial development.

Airway Orthodontics takes into account these breathing considerations when planning and implementing orthodontic treatment. By focusing on enhancing the airway’s function and size, we can help patients breathe easier, which can lead to improved sleep, better daytime focus, and even enhanced athletic performance.

For children, early intervention with Airway Orthodontics can guide proper jaw growth, creating ample space for permanent teeth and promoting healthier breathing habits. For adults, treatments can help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring.

Is Airway Orthodontics Right for Me or My Child?

Determining whether Airway Orthodontics is necessary involves a comprehensive evaluation of your or your child’s oral structures, breathing habits, and overall health. We’ll consider factors such as the presence of sleep disorders, mouth-breathing habits, and specific facial or dental characteristics.

At Mitchell, Bartlett & Bell Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing personalized, holistic care. If Airway Orthodontics is appropriate, we’ll integrate it into a comprehensive treatment plan designed to improve not only your smile but your overall health and well-being.

Remember, we’re here to guide you every step of the way on your orthodontic journey. With Airway Orthodontics, we’re looking beyond just straight teeth — we’re aiming for healthier lives. Here’s to breathing easier and smiling brighter!

Emergency Care

Emergency Orthodontics is all about dealing with those unexpected hiccups that can happen during your orthodontic journey. Whether it’s a rogue wire, a loose bracket, or a sudden unexplained discomfort, these situations call for quick professional attention.

Common Orthodontic Emergencies

Orthodontic emergencies can come in different shapes and sizes. They can range from minor issues like a lost retainer to more significant problems like a broken brace or a knocked-out tooth. If any part of your orthodontic appliance breaks or becomes loose, or if you’re feeling pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter painkillers, it’s time to give us a call.

General soreness

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. Stick to a soft diet until your teeth do not hurt to chew. Irritated gums and other sore spots can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water and mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and Naproxen Sodium (Naprosyn, Anaprox) actually slow tooth movement, so it is not advisable to use them frequently while wearing braces.

The lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated for one to two weeks as they learn a new posture and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!

Headgear

Sometimes discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow (metal piece) is bent, please call our office for assistance. The headgear should hurt less the more it’s worn, so be sure you get in the prescribed number of hours.

Loose appliance

If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part.

Loose bracket

If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it if needed for comfort. If the bracket or band can be removed easily, place it in an envelope and save it to bring to your next appointment.

Loose wire

Using a pair of tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, try to put your wire back into place. It is okay to use a piece of floss to tie the wire into place: tie the floss around the bracket in place of the missing colored o-ring. If you cannot put the wire into a comfortable position, and covering the end with wax doesn’t help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If the end of the wire is still sharp place wax on it.

Poking wire

Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it so that it is no longer poking.

What to Do in the Case of an Orthodontic Emergency

First off: don’t panic. Contact our office right away, and we’ll guide you through what to do next. If your appliance has broken or become loose, try to keep hold of any pieces that have come off — they might be useful when it comes to repairs.

We understand that dealing with an orthodontic emergency can feel a bit overwhelming, but remember, you’re not alone. Our team at Mitchell, Bartlett & Bell Orthodontics is here to provide the urgent care you need, helping you get back on track towards your dream smile as quickly as possible.

Remember, we’re with you every step of the way on your orthodontic journey, even when things take an unexpected turn. With our Emergency Orthodontics services, we ensure that unforeseen hitches won’t keep you from achieving your perfect smile.