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Early interceptive orthodontics involves orthodontic treatment in children who haven’t yet completed the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Even if only a few permanent teeth have erupted, your pediatric dentist can identify their potential (or even the potential of teeth not yet erupted) to cause bite problems and other issues. Early intervention and phased treatment at this stage can then minimize or prevent the development of tooth alignment problems that might otherwise require braces or other corrective methods. You may also hear this approach referred to as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment.
Although parents often associate orthodontic treatment with the teenage years, early interceptive orthodontics should begin before a child reaches seven years of age. At this young age, the child typically possesses enough erupted permanent teeth for the pediatric dentist to see whether those teeth will present future alignment problems (and if so, what kind of treatment they’ll likely need).
Depending on the results of the initial consultation and dental imaging exams, the dentist might decide that your child requires no treatment, at least not for the time being. If your child can benefit from early treatment, corrective options may include appliances such as spacers, palate expanders or limited braces. In some cases, extraction of crowded or extra teeth can help other teeth erupt more normally.
Our pediatric orthodontist in Frisco can provide early interceptive orthodontics for your family. Contact our clinic today.
This first phase of orthodontics is usually takes place before the age of seven.
