Starting orthodontic care for your young child may seem drastic. But by beginning proactive care early, we can help minimize or even eliminate their need for more extensive treatments in the future. Give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles.
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While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to intercept the developing problem, eliminate or correct the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. Interceptive orthodontics is also known as Phase 1 orthodontics, early orthodontic treatment, or preventive treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that kids get their first orthodontic consultation no later than the age of 7 years old.
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Interceptive orthodontics is particularly important in patients who may have serious jaw problems or a narrow palate. These issues can interfere with the development of a healthy bite. In the future, this could lead to problems when the permanent teeth erupt, speech impediments, premature tooth wear, and lots of other problems. With interceptive orthodontics, these complex issues can be reduced or eliminated.
Interceptive orthodontics helps the adult teeth erupt in the proper places, and can reduce or even eliminate the misalignment of adult teeth. This improves your child’s smile and oral health. In some cases, they may not even need additional orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth.
A bad bite and misaligned teeth can contribute to or cause lots of other problems like disordered breathing, a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay, speech issues, and much more.
First, your child will need to have an appointment with our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Hagge. Our orthodontic team will take detailed x-rays and Dr. Hagge will perform a comprehensive exam and assess your child's overall oral health to determine if they need interceptive orthodontics
Once your child is approved for treatment, Dr. Hagge will develop a customized treatment plan. This could include phase 1 braces, palate expanders, protraction facemasks, habit appliances to help with things like thumb-sucking or bad swallow, and a variety of other treatments. Every child is different, so Dr. Hagge will discuss his plan with you and schedule all of the necessary follow-ups and checkups.
Interceptive orthodontics typically takes between 8-12 months, though some patients may have shorter or longer treatment times. During this time, your child will come back to our office for frequent visits with Dr. Hagge. Dr. Hagge will check on their oral health, examine their progress, and make sure everything’s on track. This same process will continue until your child’s treatment is complete.
If your child is showcasing one or more of the following signs & symptoms, they may be a good candidate for early interceptive orthodontic treatment:
For more information and examples of the above conditions, take a look at this resource from the American Association of Orthodontics. Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.
Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could worsen over time and cause severe dental issues in adulthood if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to recognize and eliminate these problems as early as possible, so a child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, your orthodontic team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.
The cost of early interceptive orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s early interceptive orthodontics is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
We offer a full range of interceptive orthodontic treatments available to ensure your child's smile develops properly. These include:
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