Early Intervention for Better Outcomes
Interceptive orthodontics takes advantage of your childs natural growth to guide jaw development and create space for permanent teeth. By treating certain problems early, we can often avoid more complex treatment, extractions, or even jaw surgery later. The British Orthodontic Society recommends children have an orthodontic assessment by age 7.
Why Treat Early?
Between ages 7-10, children have a unique window of opportunity:
- Jaw bones are still growing and can be guided
- Problems are easier to correct before they worsen
- Some issues cannot be corrected once growth stops
- Early treatment can eliminate need for extractions
- Complex problems become simpler to treat later
- Self-esteem benefits from earlier improvement
Problems We Treat Early
Narrow Upper Jaw
A palatal expander gently widens the upper jaw over several months. This creates space for crowded teeth and corrects crossbites. Much easier to do while the jaw suture is still flexible.
Crossbites
When upper teeth bite inside lower teeth, jaw growth can be affected and facial asymmetry may develop. Early correction prevents these problems.
Protruding Front Teeth
Teeth that stick out are at risk of injury during sports and play. Early treatment brings them back to a safer, more aesthetic position.
Underbite
When the lower jaw grows ahead of the upper, early intervention can guide growth to prevent the need for jaw surgery as an adult.
Harmful Habits
Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing can affect jaw development. Habit-breaking appliances help stop these behaviours before permanent damage occurs.
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Common Appliances
- Palatal expanders – Widen the upper jaw
- Partial braces – Move specific teeth
- Functional appliances – Guide jaw growth
- Habit breakers – Stop thumb sucking
- Space maintainers – Preserve space for permanent teeth
What to Expect
Treatment typically lasts 6-18 months depending on the problem. After interceptive treatment, we monitor your childs development during a rest period. Some children need a second phase of treatment when all permanent teeth are through, but this is usually shorter and simpler than it would have been without early intervention.