Interceptive Orthodontics: Early Treatment for Jaw and Teeth Alignment in Kids

Interceptive orthodontics aims to identify teeth irregularities or jaw discrepancies as early as possible, starting at or before 6 years of age. The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends evaluating children as early as 7 years for braces/orthodontic treatment. This can help prevent more complex orthodontic treatment in the future.

Two-Phase Treatment in Interceptive Orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontics is usually 2-phased treatment. The first phase can begin around 8 or 9 years of age. The following are some of the interceptive procedures.

• Extraction of milk/deciduous teeth
• Making space for erupting permanent teeth using space maintainers
• Intercepting habits like Thumb sucking, lip biting, mouth breathing
• Correcting skeletal/jaw discrepancies
• Expanding the arches to make room for permanent teeth

The first phase of interceptive orthodontics can lessen the burden of future orthodontic treatment and help avoid extractions or teeth removal. The second phase of interceptive orthodontic treatment is carried out around 12 years, when all the permanent teeth have erupted.

Signs Your Child May Need Interceptive Orthodontics

Examining a child around seven can help decide whether early intervention is required. Taking your child for regular dental/orthodontic check-ups throughout the stages of permanent tooth eruption is also crucial. Depending on the eruption, it could be once every 3 or 6 months. The other ways you can know whether your child requires early treatment are

• Early or late shedding of primary/milk teeth. Typical baby teeth start shedding from 5-6 years of age.
• Children who had or currently having habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, lip biting.
• Children have a crossbite or an open bite.
• Children have jaw discrepancies. Smaller-sized or protrusive jaws and disproportion in size between the upper and lower jaws.
• Crowded upper front teeth.

Advantages

Interceptive orthodontic treatment offers both immediate and long-term advantages for children. Some of the key benefits include:

• Promotes balanced facial development and enhances facial harmony.
• Improves essential functions like chewing and speech.
• It is far less invasive compared to treatments typically needed during adolescence or adulthood.
• Increases the success rate and efficiency of any future orthodontic procedures.
• It can help avoid the need for orthognathic (jaw) surgery later on.
• Prepares the jaw structure for proper alignment and replacement of teeth.
• Delivers faster and more noticeable results.

If you’re unsure whether interceptive orthodontics is right for your child or which approach is best, consulting a specialist is always the most reliable step. With modern advancements in orthodontics, this method is becoming increasingly effective in addressing common dental issues in children.

Frequently Asked Questions