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BRACES ABC’S

At Fouche Orthodontics we offer the following specialised treatments:

One Phase Treatment

This is the treatment known to most people. This type of treatment usually starts during adolescence / adulthood when all the permanent teeth have erupted.

In basic terms: it means that your orthodontic treatment is completed with one set of braces / appliances.

It is very important to note, that one-phase treatment is not the answer to all orthodontic problems, and we align our practice guidelines with the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO).

The AAO advises that all children need orthodontic screening by age 7, as other serious problems can present itself at this age already and may then require two-phase treatment.

Adult Braces

  • More recently, a greater focus on the dental contribution to overall health and well-being have prompted an increasing number of adults seeking orthodontic corrective treatment, becoming the norm rather than the exception.
  • Approximately 25% of the patient population of orthodontic practices are now adult patients.
  • Numerous esthetic options are available for our adult patients:
  • Porcelain/white coloured braces that are less visible but more expensive than stainless steel braces.
  • Lingual braces: braces that are placed on the inside surfaces of the teeth.
  • Clear aligners for ex. Spark®, Invisalign®.

Two-phase Treatment

Two-phase treatment simply means that two separate stages of braces / appliances will be needed.  Usually the first stage is to align severely displaced teeth, create and maintain space for erupting teeth and to remove any interferences.  Thereafter a retainer / plate is worn to maintain the first phase corrections.  Then, at an ideal time coinciding with the growth of the patient, the second phase of braces / plate treatment is started and completed.

Benefits of 2-phase treatment:

  • Reduced risk of damage to protruding front teeth.
  • Psychological improvement: studies have shown less bullying, and improvement of the patient self-concept, their self-confidence.
  • Less complicated treatment during the second phase.
  • Possible less need for extraction of teeth.
  • Possible shorter phase of second stage braces.
  • Guidance of jaw growth in better relations.

Biggest negative aspect of 2-phase treatment:

  • Overall period of treatment is increased, patient must be well-motivated to comply end-out.

Orthodontic Treatment with Orthognathic Surgery

  • In some instances, the jaw-alignment of a patient is such that braces alone cannot correct the bite.
  • From a functional perspective, these patients struggle to close their lips, the lower jaw is far behind the upper jaw or the other way around.
  • In-depth planning and preparation are required to compile the best possible treatment plan. Both braces treatment and surgery are required to correct the jaw alignment of these patients.
  • The improvements of the profiles and esthetics of these patients are dramatic and life-changing.
  • This is a specialist field, and we encourage you to visit our rooms if you have been advised to undergo this type of treatment.
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