Once you have completed a Phase 1 orthodontics treatment plan, you’ll naturally need to monitor the patient before Phase 2 ortho starts. However, knowing where to turn for this can be difficult, which is why our experts have outlined how panoramic x-rays can be used to monitor canines after Phase 1 treatment, before ortho starts on Phase 2.
The Goal of Phase 1 Orthodontics
Phase 1 orthodontics are interceptive treatments, with the goal being to align the bite, be it transverse or vertical issues and openbites, deepbites, crossbites (anterior and posterior), overjets and negative overjets, and shifts. However, as part of the treatment plan, it’s important to ensure that there is enough space for the teeth to come in, and one of the most common problems here is impacted canines.
Using Panoramic OPG X-rays Can Help With Monitoring Canines
Panoramic OPG X-rays are highly useful for monitoring the eruption of the canine teeth before Phase 2 ortho starts. Carrying out a panoramic x-ray is usually useful every twelve months in cases where you have already noticed a potentially problematic canine in young patients; however, for more problematic issues, you may need to monitor every six months (but take care not to overirradiate the patient). Of course, it’s worth noting that palpating the teeth can sometimes also be enough to give you a good idea.
You’ll likely want to continue monitoring until the canines get past the point of contour, as they can potentially get hung up on this until they get past this point.