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.

Fun and Games at Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics

At Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics, you will find the latest magazines, movies, interactive video games and numerous rewarding contests. Perhaps more important to our patients is the attitude and interaction of everyone in the office. Dr. Wise, Dr. Jensen and our staff pride ourselves on taking the time to get to know our patients by name and treat each one like family.

Our patients at Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics understand and respond positively to this approach because it is genuine. We care about our patients. In fact, many of our new patients come to us through referrals by their friends, family and classmates.

We also reward our patients with “Lonestar Bucks” which are earned by keeping up proper oral hygiene, making regular visits to your general dentist, taking care of your braces and making noticeable progress in your treatment. You can spend your earned “Lonestar Bucks” on a variety of great prizes, and you will also be helping the less fortunate in our community:

“We have been a part of Collin County since 1992, so our patients are our friends and neighbors. We are grateful for what this community has given us, and we are always happy to return the favor whenever we can.”

We love supporting our patients' fund-raising events and are honored to be the sponsor of many sports teams and service organizations. You can help us help the less fortunate in our community. Ask about our Community Rewards Program that lets you contribute to a local charity of your choice. So, by straightening your teeth, you will be helping a worthy cause. For details on how our Community Rewards Program works simply contact our office today.

Get to Know Dr. John Wise, Your Frisco Texas Orthodontist

"Part of being a great orthodontist is being a life-long student. I'm always learning about the latest technical advancements and new research about dental and orthodontic health."

Dr. Wise combines an outstanding orthodontic education with a drive for excellence and new understanding. He's always looking for the best new technologies; for example, Wise Orthodontics and Stonebridge Orthodontics was one of the first in Collin County to offer Invisalign®. Dr. Wise received his DDS from the Baylor College of Dentistry and completed his Orthodontic Residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, is a certified Invisalign provider, and is a guest lecturer at Texas Women's University and Collin County Community College.

"I always ask myself, 'What would I want if I were a patient here?'"

Dr. Wise strives to provide thoughtful patient care, and the results show in his comfortable waiting room, cheerful treatment area, and patient-centered practice. His patients know that he will explain every phase of their treatment and make sure they're comfortable every step of the way.

"We always keep a personal touch. For example, all of our patients have their own 'personal orthodontic assistant' throughout their time with us. That's not only better for the patients, it's better for us - we get a lot of personal satisfaction out of building those relationships."

Dr. Wise has ties to North Texas beyond being Frisco's first orthodontist. He is a 4th-generation native Texan, married to his high-school sweetheart. Dr. Carol Wise is the Director of Molecular Genetics at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. They have two children, Ben and Madeline, who keep their parents busy with sports, music, and school activities.

Dr. Wise founded the Rite to Smile Golf Classic and is a former president of the University of Texas Orthodontic Alumni Association and the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and 4th District Dental Society.