Interceptive orthodontics is the term used to describe the diagnosis of teeth irregularities in children, as early as possible, to ensure the overall health of the teeth. As science continues to offer advanced dental treatments, the need for orthodontics early on has become more prevalent.
In the past, orthodontics was not utilized until the age of 12 to 14 to allow time for the permanent teeth to emerge. However, according to the American Academy of Orthodontics, children should be seen as early as age 7 to establish the need of orthodontics. This early intervention allows for a multitude of benefits, including a decrease in the number of teeth needing to be extracted.
Interceptive orthodontics is meant to assess issues earlier than traditional orthodontics. Removing malocclusions as they are detected can help reduce adult malocclusions. The growth of the teeth is an important aspect of a child’s health and early intervention allows for parents to address issues as they arrive. Interceptive orthodontics is done in two stages, the first being to allow deciduous teeth to remain while removing malocclusions in deciduous teeth as they arise.
This process helps the teeth grow with enough room in hopes they correct themselves as the child grows. However, interceptive orthodontics may not stop the need for braces, but often it decreases the need for correction later on. The second phase takes place once the permanent teeth have come through when it is easier to assess and implement orthodontic applications and treatments.
Basin Dentistry takes extra care of our littlest patients to help provide a lifelong smile that is healthy and beautiful. Our practice encourages the use of interceptive orthodontics in children to help assess issues that could become more troublesome later on. Your child may find it difficult to speak, chew and keep their teeth clean. Additionally, their appearance can also suffer. The team at Basin Dentistry understands how important it can be to help your child with dental issues which is why we strive to intervene early when malocclusions are detected. In some cases, we may recommend pediatric braces to remedy malocclusions for optimum oral development.
For more information about our pediatric dental services, call us at (432) 217-0089 today.
