Interceptive Orthodontics
Interceptive orthodontic treatment is when children begin treatment while they’re still growing and have most of their primary teeth. The goal is to direct a child’s growth and development in order to fix or prevent certain kinds of malocclusions (problems with the size, position or spacing of the teeth or jaws), so that treatment is easier down the road.
Orthodontics for Children
As a parent, you want the best for your child. That includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile. At Claremont Orthodontics, our goal is to treat your children as if they were our own, by providing them with the best possible orthodontics for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re a parent who is unfamiliar with early interceptive orthodontics, we are happy to answer all your questions. Although most parents don’t think they need to consider braces for their children until their early teens, it’s actually wise to start considering orthodontics even younger. At Claremont Orthodontics, we encourage parents to learn more about early interceptive orthodontics and schedule a consultation with us as young as possible.
What Is The Difference Between Interceptive Orthodontics and Regular Orthodontics?
Interceptive (early) orthodontics is the first phase of orthodontic treatment. It usually involves treatments for patients from age five onwards when they have primary (baby) teeth present.
With regular orthodontics, the focus is on the appearance of the permanent teeth with the ultimate goal of providing the patient with straight, well-aligned teeth.
What is Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment and How Does it Work?
Interceptive orthodontic treatment, also known as early orthodontic treatment or two-phase orthodontic treatment, is when children begin treatment while they’re still growing and have most of their primary teeth. The goal is to direct a child’s growth and development in order to fix or prevent certain kinds of malocclusions (problems with the size, position or spacing of the teeth or jaws), so that treatment is easier down the road. In cases like a severe underbite or overbite, for example, when the face and jaw are fully developed, it’s much harder to manipulate them and get dramatic results and waiting until adulthood could mean needing surgery. With early orthodontic treatment, we’re intercepting and correcting the issue before it has a chance to become a full blown problem.
What Are The Benefits of Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?
When little ones come to our practice, Dr. Khatib always sits down with you and walks you through her findings using pictures and x-rays. She takes the time to explain everything in detail, weigh the early orthodontic treatment pros and cons and answer your questions. If it is needed, the benefits of early orthodontic treatment include:
- Correcting facial asymmetry by directing jaw growth
- Shifting protruding teeth into place to minimize the risk of trauma
- Making future treatment, if necessary, quicker, more affordable and easier
- Helping avoid the need for extractions or surgery
- Making space for the grown-up teeth to come in straight
- Helping with crowding to prevent permanent teeth from getting impacted or erupting at the wrong angles
- Alleviating problems with chewing and speaking
- Boosting kids’ confidence and self-esteem
- A stunning smile!
What Are Examples of Interceptive Orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics doesn’t always equate to getting braces put on. Many phase one, interceptive orthodontic treatments don’t involve brackets and wires. Examples of interceptive orthodontics that your child may need include:
- Removable plates to address different issues
- Installing expanders to help widen the upper jaw and treat cross bites or extremely crowded teeth
- Teeth spacers that help save a spot for permanent teeth if a primary tooth is lost too early due to injury or decay
- Removing primary teeth to help guide the proper placement of permanent teeth
What Conditions Necessitate Interceptive Orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics is needed to correct problems related to the skeletal development of your child’s smile. Certain oral habits children develop after birth can necessitate interceptive orthodontics. Some conditions don’t grow out of habit but are merely inherited. Whatever the cause, they must be addressed early on. Interceptive orthodontics is usually necessary if your child falls into any of these categories:
- Persistent thumb sucking
- Extended use of a pacifier
- Reshaped jawbone due to thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Misaligned teeth that are developing out of position
- Extremely crowded teeth
- Uneven jaws
- Narrow dental arches
- Tongue-thrusting habit
- Open bites or Cross bites
- Precariously placed teeth at risk of injury
Is My Child a Candidate for Interceptive Orthodontics?
Is early orthodontic treatment worthwhile? Well, interceptive orthodontic treatment isn’t necessary for all kids but it can be beneficial for about 15 to 20% of children. Here are some of the reasons why phase 1 orthodontic treatment might be indicated:
- Significant crowding and misalignment at the age of seven (remember, the permanent teeth are bigger than the primary teeth and will need more room to come in properly)
- The early loss of baby teeth due to injury or decay (a space maintainer can prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting into the space left behind and blocking out the underlying permanent tooth)
- Front teeth that are protruding and susceptible to injury
- Skeletal issues like a severe overbite, underbite, open bite or crossbite (anterior or posterior)
- Problems with chewing, biting or speaking clearly
How Long Does The Treatment Take?
It depends on the child and the specific treatment. Some patients may only need to wear an appliance while they sleep at night for a year. Others might require wearing an appliance full-time for an extended period. Please book a consultation with Dr. Khatib at (021) 671 0171 or email at info@claremontorthodontics.co.za to learn more about what your child’s early orthodontic treatment will look like.
Will My Child Still Need Braces If They Get Interceptive Orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics will either eliminate the need for braces in the future or reduce their treatment time. Interceptive orthodontics will either eliminate the need for braces in the future or reduce their treatment time, this varies case by case.
If we haven’t answered all your questions in these early interceptive orthodontics FAQs, we’re happy to answer them during a consultation at our orthodontic practice. If you would like to learn if early orthodontics is right for your child, please call us at (021) 671 0171 or email us at info@claremontorthodontics.co.za to book an appointment today.