Generally speaking this is the second or 'Braces' phase of orthodontic treatment, which occurs only when required.
However, this may be the first and only phase of treatment for those patients who have not had or required early growth modification (Phase I) or who come to the practice as adults. Ordinarily this phase lasts for between 18 and 24 months and aims at achieving an ideal position for all of the teeth in the mouth both from a functional and aesthetic perspective. The time is usually reduced if the patient has had a Phase I treatment.
Phase II treatment usually takes place whilst the patient is undergoing their adolescent growth spurt. For most patients this occurs between 11 -14 years and is followed by a period of retention, for about 24 months, when the correction obtained is monitored and maintained.