Early Treatment - Phase I and Phase II

Phase I - Initial: We see a narrow pointy smile. Note the constriction of the upper and lower jaws which results in crowding of the lower front teeth.
Phase I - Treatment: Four braces on the upper front teeth. An expander was used for both the upper and lower jaws. (The upper expander is called a Hyrax, and the Lower Expander is called a three way Sagittal)
Phase I - Result: The arch forms are developed (Narrowness has been resolved) Crowding has also been resolved. What remains is minor leveling and aligning of teeth. Treatment at this point can be complete with braces on all teeth in under a year.

Phase II - Treatment: Braces were placed on all teeth and teeth were brought into there final position.
Phase II - Results: The patient has a great smile with straight teeth. The small wire seen behind the lower front teeth is a permanent retainer called a Fixed Retainer. These are used in some patients to prevent any tooth movement in the future. The patient was also given night time retainers which should be worn for life called Invisible Retainers.