Orthodontic treatment can be completed in one full-length treatment or broken into two separate treatment phases with a maintenance phase between the two. Please keep in mind that treatment times depend on several factors.

Drs. Richard and Valmy Kulbersh will review the treatment phases with you and point out the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a 2-phase program or a full treatment program.

First Phase

Treatment usually takes twelve to eighteen months (at 7-9 years of age) and a variety of appliances may be used to correct specific problems.

	BRACES - Placed on the upper and sometimes lower permanent teeth
	HEADGEAR - Worn to move the upper molars back
	RAPID PLATAL EXPANDER - Worn to widen the upper jaw
	FACE MASK - Worn to move the upper jaw and/or teeth forward
	FUNCTIONAL APPLIANCE - A removable "retainer" worn to redirect jaw growth

Maintenance Phase

During the time between the first and second phase the patient will be seen regularly to monitor the eruption of permanent teeth. The patient may wear a retainer during the Maintenance Phase.

Second Phase (if required)

During the first phase the orthodontist has no control over 16 unerupted permanent teeth. If they grow in and problems still exist, further treatment will be required. A separate fee will be quoted at this time. Treatment usually takes twelve to twenty-four months at age 12 to 13 years.

Full Treatment

If you decide to wait, treatment will be started when all permanent teeth have erupted. Full treatment usually takes twenty to thirty months at age 12 to 14 years of age. The length of treatment depends on several factors, including:

	Severity of the Problem
	Age of the Patient
	Patient Cooperation
	Consistency in Keeping Appointments