Benefits of Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment

Some orthodontic conditions are easier to correct if they’re detected early. Interceptive orthodontic treatment helps prevent more severe problems later on, and gives an orthodontist control over where the permanent teeth come in by addressing the structure of the jaw and teeth while baby teeth are still in the mouth. By age 7, your child’s mouth has grown and has enough sound structure to know how it will develop as the permanent teeth start to emerge.

Here are the benefits an orthodontist can provide with early intervention:

  • Determine a better prognosis for how the permanent teeth will develop
  • Correct habits that may be the cause of development problems, such as thumb-sucking or tongue pushing
  • Correct bite problems like an open bite, cross bite or deep bite
  • Guide the growth of the jaw to accommodate emerging teeth
  • Lower the risk of damage to any protruding teeth
  • Improve your child’s appearance and self-esteem
  • Create a more pleasing and functional arrangement of teeth, lips and face
  • Alleviate future, and possibly more invasive, dental correction

Even if your child doesn’t need orthodontic treatment immediately, a consultation can inform you how an orthodontist can help your child if future treatment is necessary.