Interceptive Ortho

INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTICS- CORRECTING BITE PROBLEMS BEFORE IT DEVELOPS

When we hear the term “Orthodontics”, we imagine a child with a mouthful of braces or clear aligners. But there’s more to orthodontics than just braces which corrects fully developed malocclusions(poor bite). In early times, we had to wait until all the permanent teeth had erupted in the oral cavity to perform orthodontic treatment. With modern technology, it is now possible to intervene and prevent a malocclusion’s severity in future.

Interceptive orthodontics- also known as child orthodontics is prescribed when children have oral conditions which require early intervention to prevent future malocclusion and other orthodontic complications. It is basically the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of orthodontic problems.  It begins as early as the age of 6 or 7. These treatments help in guiding jaw growth in children while oral structures are in growing phase.
 

WHY IS INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTICS IMPORTANT?

#1. Keeps teeth healthy:- Crooked teeth can make the cleaning of the teeth  difficult as these areas are more prone for plaque build-up which further may lead to decay, gum problems and other dental issues. Straightening the teeth at an early stage can promote proper cleaning and hygiene.

#2. Prevent the loss of teeth:- Primary teeth act as a space holder for permanent ones to come. When they are lost too early, the adjacent teeth can shift to the spaces and increase the risk of permanent one’s coming in an abnormal or crooked position. In these cases, orthodontic appliances like space maintainers are given to hold those spaces in place for the permanent teeth and to prevent shifting of surrounding teeth.

#3. Correct Bite problems:- Poor bite can cause teeth to grow at abnormal positions leading to crowding, jaw and facial pain. In extreme cases, the upper jaw may have less space to accommodate a new set of teeth. In these situations, the orthodontist may recommend expansion appliances, which helps in widening of the upper jaw.

#4. Minimises risk of dental trauma:- Crooked teeth are more susceptible to physical trauma like chipping and cracking. So, correcting these teeth on time can minimise the risk of trauma.
 

WHICH CONDITIONS REQUIRE INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTICS?

Children have certain conditions that require immediate treatment while the child's jaw is still growing and teeth are still developing such as:-

• Extended use of pacifier
• Oral habits:- Presistent thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and mouth breathing, nail biting
• Extremely crowded teeth
• Open bites, deep bites and crossbites
• Narrow upper arch
• Underdeveloped lower jaw
• Early loss of primary teeth with shift of adult teeth
• Protruding front teeth
• Misaligned teeth that are developing out of position
   

HOW DOES INTERCEPTIVE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT WORK?

STAGE 1:- CREATING ROOM FOR TEETH & JAW DEVELOPMENT

This treatment begins at the age of 6-8 years where several corrections are made including:-

• Removing over-retained primary teeth to help guide permanent one's into their ideal position
• Installing habit breaking appliances to correct oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing
• Installing expansion appliances to help widen the upper jaw and treat crossbites and extremely crowded teet.
• Space maintainers to help save a spot for permanent teeth if baby teeth are lost at an early stage
• Space regainers in situation where milk tooth has been lost and adjacent teeth drifted into the space
• Reduction of upper front teeth protrusion to prevent trauma
• Monitoring progress of facial and jaw development.

RESTING STAGE:- PERMANENT TEETH ERUPT

In this stage, permanent teeth are left alone to erupt. The orthodontist may schedule regular routine follow-ups to evaluate teeth and oral structures.

STAGE2 :- STRAIGHTENING OF TEETH

The goal is to ensure all teeth are in proper alignment and in harmony with other oral structures. 
 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

If your child’s permanent teeth have begun emerging or you notice any obvious bite problem or harmful oral habits, bring your child for an orthodontic examination. It is the best way you can help your child get a healthy and properly aligned smile. In the meanwhile, keep encouraging them for brushing and flossing.