Interceptive orthodontics

What is interceptive orthodontics?

Interceptive orthodontics, also referred to as phase 1 orthodontics, is the first phase of orthodontic treatment. It entails the early diagnosis of children’s future dental problems.

It's a long term treatment that involves preparing a child’s jaw and/or teeth for future growth by using tools such as braces, aligners, and expanders.

 

With this early diagnosis, an orthodontist can identify potential problems:

An underbite An overbite Crooked teeth A missing tooth that will never grow in to replace a baby tooth Crowded teeth Crossbite

Why is interceptive orthodontics done?

By performing interceptive orthodontics before the child’s adult teeth grow in, the risk of the teeth being extracted during corrective treatment (phase 2) is lowered.

Interceptive orthodontics isn't purely for aesthetic reasons. Having misaligned teeth can make it more difficult to properly look after oral hygiene.

What does it involve?

Some examples include:

Jaw adjustment - If the jaw appears too small for the future adult teeth, the orthodontist may recommend a palatal expander. By doing so, the adult teeth have room to grow in without crowding and becoming crooked Removal of baby teeth - While not common, it can be necessary to remove a baby teeth to allow the adult teeth to grow in ant the right time. No treatment (during phase 1) - Treatment during phase 1 isn’t always necessary, as the orthodontist may recommend waiting until the baby teeth have fallen out and adult teeth start to grow in before beginning treatment.

How do you prepare for interceptive orthodontics?

Interceptive orthodontics is primarily a diagnostic procedure. Therefore, little to no preparation is required by the parent and child. Your orthodontist will provide you with advice concerning which treatment to start and when.

What are alternatives to this treatment?

The alternative to interceptive orthodontics is to wait until the child needs corrective treatment once the adult teeth have grown in (phase 2). Some children may find that their future teeth have minor issues, and it may not be necessary that they receive treatment.