Interceptive Orthodontics
Interceptive orthodontics is a specific type of orthodontics intended for children whose mouths are still growing, and it's becoming more popular in recent years. It can improve your child's experience and outcome with orthodontic treatment.
Interceptive Orthodontics Treatment
Interceptive orthodontics is a specific type of orthodontics intended for children whose mouths are still growing, and it’s becoming more popular in recent years. It can improve your child’s experience and outcome with orthodontic treatment.
With interceptive orthodontics, treatment starts earlier than it would via traditional orthodontic methods, sometimes as early as 6 years old. By contrast, standard orthodontic treatment begins around age 10-12, when most of the permanent teeth have come in. Interceptive orthodontic treatment doesn’t always involve braces; instead, it can employ several other techniques, ranging from special devices to behavioral modification. Afterward, traditional braces or other appliances are often, but not always, needed.
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What is the goal of interceptive orthodontic treatment?
The goal of interceptive orthodontics is to influence the growth and development of the jaws or other oral structures while they are at an early age. Oftentimes, this type of dental treatment is impossible to do, or at least more difficult, at an older age.
These treatments are effective only while the body is still growing, but when done at the right time, they offer results that otherwise couldn’t be achieved without longer or more invasive treatments.
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How do I know if my child needs interceptive orthodontic treatments?
If your dentist finds the following issues in your child’s dental visit, interceptive orthodontic treatments may be needed before they worsen or become impossible to correct:
– Teeth crowding
– Overbites and underbites
– Crossbite
– Jaw irregularities
– Narrow dental arches
– Early loss of primary teeth with the drift of adult teeth
– Family history of impacted teeth
– Protruding teeth -
What are types of interceptive orthodontic treatments?
Some interceptive orthodontic treatments include:
– Maintaining space for permanent teeth
– Regaining space when a baby tooth is gone and other teeth have overtaken the space
– Upper jaw expansion to correct a crossbite
– Upper and lower expansion to create space
– Protrusion reduction for overbites
– Stopping thumb-sucking and pacifier habits
– Removal of primary teeth that are in the way of adult teeth
More Questions?
If you have more questions about interceptive orthodontic care, give us a call and we'll be happy to discuss further.
