Phase One Treatment - and Why It's Important!

Why do I need two “phases” of treatment? What is a “phase one” of a two-phase treatment? Why do orthodontists offer phase one orthodontics?

These are three of the most common questions we get about two-phase treatment. The answers to these questions are simple, and phase one treatment has over 50 years of proof that it is a successful and effective way to treat orthodontic patients!

At Wise Orthodontics we believe in the effectiveness of phase one treatment, and we model our phase one treatments after the studies and protocols of Dr. James McNamara’s work at the University of Michigan. The details of our phase one treatments are of course handled individually on a case-by-case basis. No two patients are the same, and neither are their treatments!

The key to phase one orthodontic treatment is to evaluate and diagnose a patient for treatment at an early age. While there is no “right” age for a person to start their orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists does recommend that a patient receive their first consultation around the age of seven.

Here is a breakdown of a typical orthodontic consultation for phase one treatment:

1) Review of current radiographs
a. Panoramic films should be made roughly every two years during the mixed dentition stage
b. More frequent films are requested irrespective of insurance if a particular issue arises
c. FMX’s and bitewings while helpful, do not typically give a “big picture view” that is acceptable for most ortho planning

2) Clinical evaluation
a. Counting of the teeth to confirm presence/absence of teeth at each stage of development
b. Occlusal analysis- Overbite/overjet, upper and lower midlines, molar relationship (A/P and transverse), crowding, functional shifts
c. Exfoliation tracking- symmetry and sequence
d. Oral hygiene and soft tissue overview
e. Occlusal wear patterns review
f. Photographs when needed to document, treatment plan and/or assist in communication with patient or parent

3) Counseling of parent/child on the development process and the importance of regular dental visits

4) New appointment made anywhere from 8 weeks to 12 months depending on circumstances of the development process



Phase one treatment is designed for three things:

• Prevention - to prevent current problems from getting worse

• Interception - to intercept and correct current problems

• Modification - to modify the growth and structure of the jaw

Our practice is geared up to handle this service and to do so in a productive way. We find that as patients are made aware of the improvements from preventive orthodontics, they are likely to want to proceed with the recommended treatment. If you have any questions about phase one treatment, or any other orthodontic treatments that we provide, please let us know! Also, visit our web site where you can read about the different treatments we provide and learn more about orthodontics for you or your child.