Interceptive treatment guides the growth of the jaws and creates space for developing teeth. Our goal is to improve facial development, prevent future tooth extraction or surgery, and minimize the risk for more complex problems. Examples of this type of treatment include:
- Habit Elimination Appliances– Intervention for harmful thumb and finger sucking habits that negatively impact skeletal growth and dental development
- Space Maintainers– Hold space for permanent teeth when baby teeth are lost prematurely or require removal
- Phase I Orthodontic Treatment- Utilizes functional appliances, expanders, and limited application of braces to address specific dental or skeletal concerns
The American Dental Association recommends an orthodontic screening by age 7. While every child develops at their own pace, this generally is a favorable time to intervene if problems with skeletal or dental development are noted. Intervention even earlier can be beneficial for some children, while others are not ready until after this age. Patients who receive interceptive care may not need a second phase of orthodontics; however, many do require a “phase II treatment” to optimize the final tooth alignment and bite once all permanent teeth have erupted.
