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What is interceptive orthodontic treatment? If your dentist has recommended this type of treatment for your child and you find yourself searching for this term, you have reached the right article. This article will talk about how interceptive orthodontic treatments work and how it can benefit children.
What is interceptive orthodontic treatment?
In the simplest terms, interceptive orthodontic treatment is done in order to correct a malocclusion as soon as it is detected. Early treatment of tooth crowding can help a person have a healthier mouth later in life. This is why the first dental appointment of a child should be done at 7 years old, or earlier. At this stage, the child will still have most of their baby teeth in. It will make it easier for dentists and orthodontists to anticipate any problems that might form later on. It will also make sure that there will be no need for tooth extractions or other orthodontic treatments to treat a crowded jaw.
This type of orthodontic treatment takes advantage of a child’s continuing growth. It also allows a orthodontists to guide teeth into growing into the right places, allowing for better end results.
Why a child may need this type of treatment
The dentist will be able to tell a parent if their child may be able to benefit from interceptive orthodontic treatment. Habits like thumb sucking, the use of a pacifier as a baby and other developmental habits can affect the proper alignment of teeth. Also, any developmental issues like a misaligned jaw, crowding of teeth and other issues may alert the dentist to the child’s need of this treatment.
Advantages of interceptive orthodontic treatment
If your dentist recommends interceptive orthodontic treatment, and you have qualms about it, feel free to talk to your dentist about it. This type of treatment will benefit not only your child’s smile, but their overall oral health in the long run. Having a malocclusion can make a person self-conscious about their self-esteem, cause speech defects and in extreme cases, it can even affect how a person eats and breathes.
This is why interceptive orthodontic treatment can play a positive role in preventing extreme malocclusions from developing. If the treatment is done early, the dentist can be able to properly eliminate the need for tooth extractions and other orthodontic treatments in the future. This will not only save money but also save the person the hassle of getting these types of treatments when they are older.
Final thoughts
If you notice that your child’s teeth are crowding their mouth, or if you are aware that your child practices habits like thumb sucking or had used a pacifier when they were a baby, it is a good idea to consult your dentist and have them assess of your child needs to undergo interceptive orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will be able to properly advise you on what to do next and if your child will benefit from this type of treatment.
