Interceptive Orthodontics
Interceptive orthodontics, also known as Phase 1 Orthodontics, involves early intervention to correct issues such as abnormal bites that develop earlier in life and then progress into lifelong skeletal issues. This fusion of orthopedic and orthodontic treatment is offered to prevent or minimize developing malocclusions or improper teeth eruptions so as to encourage the facial skeleton to grow properly. At Smiles on Queen, we use everything from habit-breaking appliances and removable retainers to fixed brackets to offer your child the treatment plan he or she needs.
Habits such as thumb sucking and extended pacifier use can also lead to dental issues such as crossbites, narrow dental arches, overbites and asymmetric growth. Most of these conditions can be resolved with interceptive orthodontics, if caught early enough.
In the long term, when the proper orthodontic treatment is administered early in life, it may eliminate the need for removal of permanent teeth if your child decides to have complete orthodontics done in the future, or as an adult. It can also prevent the need for expensive and painful jaw surgery in the case of developing an untreated open bite. In the short term, it can correct the problem of an “overbite” that a child is teased for much earlier in their life, protect vulnerable teeth that stick out from breaking during play or sports, and allow for proper, aesthetically pleasing growth that will make any future treatment time shorter and simpler.
Examples of interceptive orthodontics include:
- Fixing a posterior crossbite through expansion of a narrow upper jaw
- Removal of baby teeth to ensure the permanent teeth erupt properly in the mouth
- Reduction of protrusion of the upper front teeth to prevent fracture due to an injury or trauma
- Holding the upper jaw back to allow a slow-growing lower jaw to catch up
- Fixing a single-tooth crossbite that catches your child’s lip or tongue
- Addressing thumb-sucking or other habits before they cause irreversible skeletal changes
At Smiles on Queen family dentistry, we have qualified dentists ready to offer any form of interceptive care. We always advise parents to start keeping an eye on their child’s dental health from an early age. In fact, it’s never too early to maintain good oral hygiene.
We have experts who will identify malocclusions such as crowded teeth and bite problems. We will actively intervene in order to ensure the teeth that emerge in the mouth are properly guided. Our interceptive orthodontic care will help you save time and money by preventing more extensive treatments in the future.
What to expect
