Prevent serious dental problems from plaguing your child down the road by opting for interceptive orthodontics.
What is interceptive orthodontics?
Simply put, interceptive orthodontics is used to treat malocclusions (bad bites) as soon as your Ashburn orthodontist detects problems. In the past, most children didn’t wear braces until around the ages of 12-14. This was to give permanent teeth a chance to fully erupt to get an idea of how much room was available for these teeth and to create an orthodontic plan based on a permanent smile. However, interceptive orthodontics is used to treat children younger (typically between the ages of 7 to 11 years old).
Why does my child need interceptive orthodontics?
When your child visits their Ashburn orthodontist it’s usually because there is problem with the shape of their smile. This can be due to poor development or bad habits like thumb sucking, which can cause teeth to become misaligned and even cause front teeth to protrude.
If your child is dealing with any of these dental problems then we might recommend interceptive orthodontics:
- Overcrowding
- Crossbite (when the back teeth are misaligned)
- Uneven jaw development
What are the benefits of interceptive orthodontics?
One of the biggest benefits of interceptive orthodontics is that younger patients are typically more willing to comply than those in their teen years. Furthermore, by opting for this line of treatment, your Ashburn orthodontist can possibly prevent tooth extractions, which allows for better results.
Interceptive orthodontics can also reduce the risk of damage that can be caused by protruding teeth and create space for new teeth to erupt properly.
Is your child a good candidate for this orthodontic treatment?
Since malocclusions can continue to be a problem for our smile as we age, it’s important to handle these issues as soon as possible. Crooked or overlapping teeth are more challenging to clean, which leaves smiles prone to decay and gum disease. If your child is dealing with a malocclusion, then it’s time to see whether interceptive orthodontics is the right option.
Getting braces isn’t just about getting a straighter smile. It can also improve the overall function and health of your smile for the rest of your child’s life. If you think your child might need braces then it’s time to schedule a consultation with your child’s Ashburn orthodontist at Ashburn Pediatric Dental Center.