Most children and pre-adolescents will wear orthodontic devices to correct the position of their teeth and restore the growth of their jaws, whether due to a genetic, skeletal, or functional issue. Today’s parents have various options for treating their children’s orthodontic problems early on, preventing the need for later, more invasive treatment.
What Is Interceptive Orthodontics?
It is a type of preventive orthodontics used only to direct or correct irregular tooth and jaw bone growth in children. The goal is to be able to cure malocclusion issues before a child’s development is finished. It is easier to treat the bones while forming to prevent the emergence of more severe and challenging problems as adults. Most kids will still need to wear traditional braces once they have finished their interceptive treatment and reached dental maturity. This will make receiving standard orthodontic care much more straightforward.
How Does The Process Work?
Dentists can use interceptive orthodontics to help teeth grow correctly and avoid needless tooth removal rather than extracting permanent teeth to improve a bite. Early detection of malocclusions allows orthodontists to address the problem before adult teeth erupt and the jaw bones have finished growing. Before the age of seven, you must get an orthodontic evaluation just as adult teeth emerge.
Why Is Interceptive Orthodontics Important?
- According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should see an orthodontist by age 7. Early intervention is crucial because it allows one to control jaw development and emerging teeth. Phase 1 orthodontics can give the child a more visually appealing smile and improve their bite. Early intervention can help shorten and simplify treatment at a later age. In this manner, your child won’t have to live with a lifelong fear of seeing the dentist.
- There are many causes, one of which is the possibility that your child’s misaligned bite will leave them in constant pain. A misaligned bite can also cause additional stress on the jaw and the face. This stress can result in various chronic pain conditions that could have been prevented if it were not handled—bruxism, which can erode enamel and result in other problems. Additionally, there is the issue of chewing food. A poor bite could hinder your child’s teeth from developing normally if that weren’t awful enough.
What Are The Different Types Of Interceptive Orthodontics?
- Upper jaw extension to get rid of a crossbite
- Extension of one or both jaws to make room for too many teeth
- Early baby tooth extraction to promote the healthy emergence of permanent teeth
- Maintaining the space for future permanent teeth following an early baby tooth loss
- Lowering the protrusion of the upper incisors to lessen the risk of fracture as a result of trauma
When Is The Best Time To Start Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?
Around age eight or nine, children often actually receive interceptive orthodontic treatment, sometimes referred to as Phase-One or Early Treatment. Phase Two will start when the child is 11 or older.
Interceptive orthodontic therapy may be the best option for your child if they are between 6 and 12 and you believe they may eventually need braces. Your child will thank you later in life when they aren’t dealing with bruxism, crooked teeth, and other problems because early orthodontic treatment has so many advantages.
