Interceptive Orthodontics in Greenville NC | Greenville NC Interceptive Orthodontics

A young girl wearing braces is playfully holding her teeth open with both hands while sitting in a dental chair.

Interceptive Orthodontics

At Casey Dental, we understand that every child is unique, and so are their dental needs. Among the services we offer to help young smiles properly grow and develop is Interceptive Orthodontics. This early phase of orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth and tooth eruption to create a healthy bite and beautiful smile.

Why Consider Interceptive Orthodontics?

Interceptive orthodontics, or Phase I orthodontics, addresses specific dental issues in children while they're still young. Starting early can help prevent more serious problems from developing and make future orthodontic treatment quicker, easier, and less expensive.

Some of the common reasons for interceptive orthodontic treatment include:

Habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or certain swallowing patterns that can affect jaw development and tooth alignment.
Narrow top jaws (maxillary constriction) that don't grow in harmony with the lower jaw, leading to crossbites or other bite issues.
Permanent teeth that erupt behind their primary predecessors, causing crowding and impaction of permanent teeth.
Excessive protrusion of front teeth (overjet)— increasing the risk of injury and making it difficult to chew.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Interceptive orthodontics offers several benefits for young patients. By addressing dental issues early, we can:

Guide jaw growth and tooth eruption to create a more balanced facial appearance.
Create additional space for crowded teeth, reducing the need for extractions or complex treatment in the future.
Help correct harmful habits like thumb sucking by making it more difficult for children to engage in these behaviors.
Simplify and shorten the duration of comprehensive orthodontic treatment later on down the road.

What Does Interceptive Orthodontics Involve?

Interceptive orthodontic treatment typically involves a combination of appliances designed to guide jaw growth and tooth eruption. Some common appliances used in Phase I treatment include:

Space maintainers: When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer can keep the space open for the permanent tooth to erupt into place.
Habit appliances: These devices help discourage harmful habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting by making it more difficult for children to engage in these behaviors.

Is Your Child a Candidate for Interceptive Orthodontics?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Potential issues with jaw growth and tooth eruption that may benefit from early intervention can often be identified at this age.

At Casey Dental, we're committed to helping your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. If you have any questions about interceptive orthodontics or would like to schedule an evaluation for your child, please don't hesitate to contact our office in Greenville, NC.

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