Early Interceptive Treatment in Purcellville, VA
What is Early Interceptive Treatment?
Early Treatment vs. Waiting
preventing more complicated malocclusions
Interceptive
Treatment
Orthodontic
Care
The Early Interceptive Treatment Process
Phase One
Phase one usually begins when a child is around 6-7 years old. Candidates for early interceptive treatment include those with over/underbites, protruding front teeth from thumb sucking, asymmetric jaw growth, or spacing issues. Depending on the issue, we use appliances such as expanders or a partial set of braces, usually for a period of 6-12 months.
Phase Two
Phase two treatment is typically recommended for children between the ages of 11-13. The goal of this phase is to properly position all of the permanent teeth with either braces or clear aligners. This phase typically lasts between 12-18 months.
Phase Three
Phase three of treatment consists of retaining the results achieved in the first two phases. This can be done with a retainer, which may be removable or permanent in nature depending on your child’s specific orthodontic needs.
Early Interceptive
Treatment Benefits
Preserves Space
Early treatment means that you can preserve or make space for your child's permanent teeth to come in. Don't wait for all baby teeth to fall out before getting a consultation.
Prevents Further Oral Health Problems
Misaligned teeth make it harder to remove plaque and take proper care of your child’s smile. Fixing these alignment issues now ensures better oral health in the long run.
Promotes Healthy Development
By performing early interceptive treatment, you can actually guide the growth of your child’s jaw, meaning any future treatments may be easier and shorter than they would if more complex movements needed to occur.
Early Expansion Treatment
Using a rapid palatal expander can correct jaw discrepancies and create more space for adult teeth. This treatment is particularly effective when done at a young age, as the jaw is still developing and the bones are more malleable. By addressing these issues early on, patients can often achieve more predictable and long-lasting results, improving their oral health and overall well-being.
What causes orthodontic problems in my child?
There are several reasons that your child may need early interceptive treatment, including:
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Protruding front teeth due to thumb sucking
- Misalignment of teeth
- Overcrowding or other spacing issues as permanent teeth try to come in
- Underbites and overbites
- Open bites
- Permanent teeth that will not come in on their own (impaction)
Many children need orthodontic correction, and unfortunately as parents, we can’t control that. What you can control, however, is choosing to provide early intervention that minimizes complications and helps align their teeth for optimal health and function.
At what age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
If you suspect your child may need orthodontic treatment, we suggest a phased approach, beginning as early as 7 or 8 years old. Come in for a consultation with us to identify these potential issues before your child’s adult teeth are in; that way we can help guide the alignment of your child’s permanent teeth before it becomes more complicated to do so.
What should we expect at a consultation for possible early treatment?
During a consultation for possible early treatment, Dr. Nguyen will evaluate your child's dental and facial development to determine if early interceptive treatment (phase I) is necessary. If so, our team will recommend the best treatment options to address any orthodontic issues and help prevent more severe problems from developing later on. If your child is not yet ready for treatment, we will place them in our growth monitoring program, where they will be seen every six months to track their growth and teeth eruption until treatment is necessary. Our goal is always to provide the most effective and personalized care for your child, and we will work closely with you every step of the way to ensure the best possible outcome for their oral health and overall well-being.
After phase 1 treatment, when does my child get phase 2 treatment?
The timing of phase 2 treatment varies depending on each patient's individual needs and the extent of their orthodontic issues. Dr. Nguyen prefers to give patients as long of a break as possible between phases to allow for natural growth and development. On average, phase 2 treatment may start as early as age 12, but this can vary based on the patient's specific case. During your child's growth monitoring appointments, we will continue to assess their orthodontic needs and determine the best timing for phase 2 treatment. Rest assured that we will work closely with you and your child to ensure a thriving, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.