Interceptive orthodontics aims to identify tooth irregularities or jaw discrepancies as early as possible and before 6 years of age. The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends evaluating children starting at age 7 for orthodontic treatment or braces. This can be helpful in preventing more complex orthodontic treatment in the future.
Interceptive orthodontics is usually a two-phase treatment. The first phase can start around 8 or 9 years of age. The following are some of the interceptive procedures
extraction of deciduous/milk teeth
make space for the eruption of permanent teeth using space maintainers
Intercept habits like thumb sucking, lip biting, mouth breathing
Correction of skeletal/jaw discrepancies
Expansion of arches to accommodate permanent teeth
The first phase of interceptive orthodontics can lessen the burden of future orthodontic treatment and can also help to avoid extractions or extractions of teeth for treatment.
The second phase of interceptive orthodontic treatment is performed around age 12 at the time all permanent teeth erupt.
Will my child need this 2-phase orthodontic treatment?
Examining the child around age 7 can help decide if early intervention is needed. It is also crucial to take your child for a regular dental/orthodontic checkup throughout the stages of permanent tooth eruption. It could be once every 3 months or once every 6 months depending on the rash. The other ways you can find out if your child requires early treatment are
Early or late loss of primary/milk teeth. Typical baby teeth begin to fall out between 5 and 6 years of age.
Children who had or currently have habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, lip biting
Children with crossbite or open bite
Children with mandibular discrepancies. Undersized or protruding jaws and a disproportion in size between the upper and lower jaws
Crowded upper front teeth
