Interceptive orthodontic treatment, also referred to as “early orthodontic treatment,” can provide significant benefits for certain children. It involves addressing serious bite problems or malocclusions as they occur through the use of early phase braces, retainers, and other orthodontic devices. By doing so, more significant challenges can be prevented later in the child’s development.
In children who present with serious malocclusions, interceptive orthodontics can be a highly effective way to manage these issues in a timely manner. The use of braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances during early childhood can prevent more complex treatments and surgeries in the future. By taking an early approach to orthodontic care, children can enjoy a healthier, more attractive smile and reduce their risk of experiencing other dental problems later on.
Overall, interceptive orthodontic treatment is an important tool for managing serious malocclusions and other dental issues in children. By intervening early and using the appropriate orthodontic devices, children can enjoy better oral health and avoid more complex procedures later on.
Screening children for orthodontic issues at age 7 can identify those who are good candidates for early phase braces and interceptive orthodontic treatment. The benefits of early intervention include:
Overall, interceptive orthodontics can provide significant benefits for children with orthodontic issues. By addressing these problems early on, children can enjoy improved dental health, better oral function, and a more attractive smile.
While both interceptive orthodontics and regular orthodontics aim to improve oral function and appearance, they differ in their approach. Interceptive orthodontics work with the natural growth processes of the body and use a variety of techniques to influence the growth and development of teeth and jaws. As such, this type of orthodontics is most effective when done before the onset of puberty. Regular orthodontics, on the other hand, can be done at any age and focus on correcting the position of teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and other appliances. Overall, the key difference lies in the timing and methods used to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Early treatment with interceptive orthodontics before the jaw has finished growing can achieve results that are near impossible to achieve at an older age without more invasive, complicated procedures. It can reduce the need for more significant treatment in the future, create space for permanent teeth, improve facial symmetry, and increase self-confidence. Overall, early treatment can provide several advantages for children’s oral health and appearance.
Interceptive orthodontics can be used to address a range of common dental issues in children. For example, palatal expanders can be used to create more room in an overcrowded jaw, instead of having to resort to the more invasive approach of extracting teeth. Some orthodontic appliances can also be used to treat serious malocclusions or bad bites. They can promote or restrict jaw growth, which is especially helpful when the top and bottom jaws do not develop at the same rate. By addressing these issues early, children can enjoy improved oral health, better facial symmetry, and a more attractive smile.
The length of an interceptive orthodontic treatment varies depending on the specific needs of the child. For example, a child may need to wear a palatal expander or other appliance for 6-12 months, followed by a retainer. A space maintainer may also be placed to hold a spot for permanent teeth to come in, which needs to stay in place for a period of months. The duration of treatment will depend on how long it takes to achieve the desired results.
It’s worth noting that once a child’s jaw has stopped growing, there is no longer a need for interceptive orthodontic treatment. By addressing issues early on, the duration of treatment can be shorter and less complex than if these issues were left untreated. Ultimately, the length of interceptive orthodontic treatment will vary depending on the specific needs of the child, but it’s designed to address issues in a timely and effective manner.
Following interceptive orthodontic treatment, it is quite common for regular braces to be needed. However, the good news is that interceptive orthodontics often shortens the duration of time that braces need to be worn. By addressing dental issues early on, interceptive treatment can help to ensure that the need for extensive braces or other orthodontic appliances is minimized.
If you have concerns or questions about your child’s smile, bite, or teeth positioning, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist for advice. They can provide guidance on the best approach to treatment and help to ensure that your child receives the care they need for optimal oral health and a beautiful smile.
