Interceptive Orthodontics: What You Need To Know

Interceptive orthodontics is where you take your child to the orthodontics near you for dental treatment. This is why interceptive orthodontics is also known as early or phase-one orthodontic treatment. This type of treatment begins at the early age of eight or nine and corrects the orthodontic problem that, if not fixed early, will need surgery later on in life. If you need more information about interceptive orthodontics, you’re in the right place, as this piece will provide all the information about this early treatment. So, let’s get into it.

What Is Interceptive Orthodontics?

As the name indicates, interceptive orthodontics is a type of early treatment for children that intercepts jaw development and other bite problems before full growth and development. The treatment involves taking advantage of the growing jaws to fix issues like overbites, underbites, misalignment, and crossbites before they become more challenging to repair.

By opting for this type of treatment for your child, you’ll save more money in the long run, which you’d have used to correct the problem as it would have required more extensive and expensive procedures.

Suppose your child is at the age of 8 when the first molars begin to erupt and have an orthodontic problem. In that case, you should take them to the orthodontics in Milford, CT, so that the pediatric dentist can correct the misalignment issue before it gets out of hand.

So, how do you know that your child needs interceptive orthodontics treatment?

Signs That Your Child Needs Interceptive Orthodontics

• Difficulty biting or chewing.
• Speech problems.
• Protruding teeth, where the bottom and top teeth extend away from each other.
• Crowded teeth.
• Early loss of baby teeth.
• Unevenness of the upper and lower jaw.
• Overbites and underbites.
• Thumb sucking even after your child passes age five.

What Are the Types of Interceptive Orthodontics?

• Reduction of the protrusion of the upper incisors to decrease chances of fracture due to trauma.
• Removal of specific baby teeth to enable the proper eruption of baby teeth.
• Expansion of one or both jaws ensures sufficient space for the crowded teeth.
• Maintaining space for permanent teeth after the early loss of baby teeth.
• Expansion of the upper jaw to eliminate a crossbite.

What Are the Benefits of Interceptive Orthodontics?

Once you take your child to the pediatric dentist in Milford, CT, the dentist will provide you with the initial findings and what to expect after the treatment. This may include looking at pictures of what your child needs and how they will look afterward. Here are some of the benefits of interceptive orthodontics:

Less treatment time- early treatment of misalignment problems can help reduce the time needed for treatment in the future. When you take your child for interceptive orthodontic treatment, the pediatric dentist will help correct the orthodontic problem. Treating it earlier prevents the misalignment issue from becoming too and might require further drastic measures.

Early detection- when the dentist intercepts the orthodontic problem early, more severe conditions are prevented. Failure to take your child for early treatment means that the misalignment problem has become more severe and might take more complex treatment like surgery.

Improved oral health- interceptive orthodontic treatment can help improve your child’s overall health. Teeth misalignment can make it challenging for your child to clean their teeth properly. Fortunately, interceptive orthodontics can correct the misalignment problem helping your child clean their teeth well to prevent oral problems like gum disease and tooth decay.

Improved speech- teeth misalignment can alter your child’s speech. This is because if the teeth are out of line can make it challenging to pronounce and articulate.

Improved self-esteem- your child may have reduced self-esteem due to crowded or misaligned teeth. In addition, other children may make fun of your kid’s teeth, which may affect their social life. The good news is that interceptive orthodontics can fix teeth problems restoring your child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Are There Any Risks with Interceptive Orthodontics?

One significant risk with interceptive orthodontics is the risk of injury to the teeth. When orthodontic equipment is placed in the mouth, it can damage the teeth if it moves out of line.

Another risk linked with this treatment is infection. The orthodontic equipment used can trap bacteria and food debris, leading to gum disease and cavities.

Lastly, there can be pain and discomfort. Although the treatment is usually not painful, some patients experience discomfort or soreness.

Nevertheless, your child will benefit more from interceptive orthodontics. Therefore, visit Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry if you notice any signs listed above that may indicate overbite, underbite, teeth crowding, or any misalignment issue. Our pediatric dentist will treat your kid’s orthodontic problem to restore their smile and prevent severe issues in the future.