Not all children walk at the same time. Not all children talk at the same time.
Why do we expect children’s teeth to develop on a predictable schedule?
It’s easy to accept that children will develop at their own unique pace. It gets harder to accept when it’s your child who is experiencing precocious development. If you have concerns about your child’s smile, there’s a lot you can do to help!
Interceptive orthodontic treatment exists to help get young children’s oral development back on track. If you need some guidance about how to choose an orthodontist for a younger child, read on to learn about your options.
What Is Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?
Interceptive orthodontics is also known as phase 1 orthodontics. It supports children whose teeth are growing or developing in a way that doesn’t follow typical oral development trends.
When we think of orthodontics, we usually think of straight teeth. Many other issues can affect children’s teeth, even beyond aesthetics. Children between the ages of seven and eleven may need this specialized interceptive care.
At this age, your child’s first set of molars will most likely be in place. This is when the mouth is the most pliable. It is the perfect time to seek safe orthodontic treatment for your child.
An interceptive orthodontist may use dental appliances to encourage teeth to grow or move in the right direction. They may also perform extractions or use other proactive techniques.
The goal of interceptive orthodontics is to correct problems early. By seeking treatment now, your child may not need extensive orthodontic treatment later. It can also make oral development more comfortable by addressing problems before they need more invasive interventions.
What Can Interceptive Orthodontics Fix?
Between the ages of seven and eleven, children can begin to look a little awkward. If the awkward thing is their smile, there might be an issue that can be addressed with proactive orthodontic intervention.
For example, children’s gum arches may not have the appropriate shape. When teeth try to come in, they may not have a place to go. Interceptive orthodontics can help create an arch before the tooth comes in, solving one problem before it causes a bigger one.
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Children approaching puberty might suddenly find themselves facing rapid oral development. Interceptive orthodontists can help prepare the jaw for your child’s incoming growth spurt.
Children may already have issues with spacing or bite patterns related to the symmetry of their teeth. Without intervention, this might lead to a need for the painful extraction of adult teeth later.
Orthodontists can address many other issues with early, proactive interceptive orthodontics. If you have concerns, a professional trained in interceptive orthodontics might be the best orthodontist for you.
Interceptive Orthodontics Puts Smiles on the Right Track
If your child’s smile doesn’t look quite right, it might not be too early to put it back on the right track.
An interceptive orthodontist will intervene when the mouth is most pliable to reduce pain and complications later on. A beautiful smile can lead to self-confidence, so interceptive orthodontic treatment will keep your child smiling for life!
If you found this article helpful, check out the rest of the blog for more posts that can help keep your family’s smiles in place.
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