Other Treatments

Two-Phase Treatment

At Josh Johnson Orthodontics, we understand that early and comprehensive care can make a big difference in your child’s oral health. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized approach designed to guide the proper development of the teeth, jaw, and bite during childhood and adolescence. By addressing orthodontic concerns in two distinct phases, we can achieve results that are often more efficient, effective, and long-lasting than waiting for all permanent teeth to come in.

What Is Two-Phase Treatment?

Two-phase treatment is a strategic plan that involves two separate periods of orthodontic care, with a resting phase in between. Each phase serves a unique purpose in ensuring your child’s teeth and jaw develop properly:

Phase One: Early Intervention

The first phase typically begins between the ages of six and ten, when a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This stage focuses on guiding the growth of the jaw, correcting bite issues, and addressing habits or concerns that could affect future oral health. Common goals of Phase One include:

• Creating space for erupting permanent teeth.
• Addressing jaw alignment issues, such as overbites or underbites.
• Correcting harmful habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.
• Preventing more severe orthodontic problems later in life.

During this phase, we may use appliances like expanders, partial braces, or aligners to gently guide the teeth and jaw into proper positions.

Resting Phase

After Phase One, your child enters a resting period where the remaining permanent teeth erupt naturally. During this time, we monitor their progress through regular checkups to ensure everything is developing as expected.

Phase Two: Comprehensive Treatment

Phase Two typically begins in the early teen years, once most or all permanent teeth have erupted. This stage focuses on fine-tuning alignment and achieving the final, beautifully straight smile. Full braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances are often used during this phase to complete treatment.

The Benefits of Two-Phase Treatment

Two-phase treatment offers several key advantages over waiting until all permanent teeth are present:

• Improved Jaw Development — Early intervention can guide the growth of the jaw, reducing the need for surgery or extractions later on.
• Better Space Management — Creating room for permanent teeth early helps prevent overcrowding and ensures they erupt in the correct positions.
• Shorter, Simpler Second Phase — Addressing major concerns early often makes Phase Two treatment faster and less complex.
• Enhanced Function and Appearance — Proper jaw alignment improves biting, chewing, and speaking while supporting a harmonious, balanced facial profile.

Who Is a Candidate for Two-Phase Treatment?

Two-phase treatment is ideal for children with early signs of orthodontic concerns, such as:

• Crowded or crooked teeth.
• Bite issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
• Significant spacing between teeth.
• Habits like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing.
• Jaw growth problems, including misalignment or asymmetry.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. During this initial visit, we can determine if two-phase treatment is necessary or if monitoring is the best approach for your child.

At Josh Johnson Orthodontics, we customize every two-phase treatment plan to meet the unique needs of each child. Our team is committed to making the process comfortable and stress-free, providing expert care every step of the way.

Two-phase treatment is an investment in your child’s oral health and confidence, ensuring they grow up with a smile that’s both beautiful and functional. Contact us today to request a consultation at our Spokane or Liberty Lake office and learn how two-phase treatment can benefit your child’s smile for years to come.

DentalMonitoring

At Josh Johnson Orthodontics, we are committed to making your orthodontic journey as seamless and effective as possible. That’s why we’re proud to offer DentalMonitoring, an innovative tool that allows us to track your progress remotely, reducing the need for frequent office visits while ensuring your treatment stays on track.

With DentalMonitoring, you can enjoy the confidence of knowing your orthodontic care is being expertly monitored—no matter where you are. This advanced technology brings a new level of convenience, precision, and flexibility to aligners and braces treatment.

What Is DentalMonitoring?

DentalMonitoring is an app-based system that lets us oversee your orthodontic progress through regular scans of your teeth, submitted directly from your smartphone. By using your phone and a special scanning device provided by our office, you can send us real-time updates on your treatment without needing to visit the office as often.

This technology is especially beneficial for busy patients, whether you’re balancing work, school, or travel. It allows us to provide personalized care and guidance from wherever you are, giving you greater flexibility in managing your treatment.

How Does DentalMonitoring Work?

Getting started with DentalMonitoring is easy:

1. Set Up the App — Download the DentalMonitoring app and connect it to your account at Josh Johnson Orthodontics.
2. Complete Scans — Using the scanning device and your smartphone, capture images of your teeth as instructed. The process is quick, taking just a few minutes.
3. Upload Your Scans — Send your scans securely through the app. Our team will review them to evaluate your progress and ensure everything is on track.
4. Receive Updates — Based on your scans, we’ll provide feedback or instructions directly through the app. You’ll know when to switch aligners, make adjustments, or schedule an in-office visit.

With DentalMonitoring, your care is tailored to your progress, reducing unnecessary visits and keeping your treatment moving forward efficiently.

Benefits of DentalMonitoring

DentalMonitoring enhances your orthodontic experience in several ways:

• Convenience — For patients with busy schedules, fewer in-office visits mean more time for the things that matter most. You can submit your scans from home, school, work, or even while traveling.
• Real-Time Feedback — Regular monitoring ensures that your treatment is progressing as planned. If any adjustments are needed, we can address them promptly without waiting for your next appointment.
• Fewer Disruptions — By reducing the frequency of office visits, DentalMonitoring helps minimize disruptions to your routine while still providing the high-quality care you expect.
• Peace of Mind — You’ll have the confidence of knowing that our team is closely overseeing your treatment, even when you’re not in the office.
• Personalized Care — DentalMonitoring enables us to customize your treatment timeline based on your unique progress, optimizing your results.

DentalMonitoring is ideal for patients undergoing clear aligners or certain types of braces. Whether you’re an adult balancing work responsibilities, a teen juggling school and extracurriculars, or someone who travels frequently, this tool offers the flexibility and precision you need.

Simplify Your Orthodontic Journey with DentalMonitoring

With DentalMonitoring, orthodontic care has never been more convenient or connected. At Josh Johnson Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing modern solutions that fit your lifestyle while delivering the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.