Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment in Children

Early orthodontic treatment is conducted in pre-adolescent children to correct the shape and position of the jaws, and therefore correct the position and alignment of the teeth that they hold. Interceptive treatment is aimed at changing the direction of growth of the jaws to prevent orthodontic problems from developing or worsening. Treatment can include elimination of bad habits (such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting), expansion of narrow jaws or encouraging forward growth of small jaws.

Benefits of early interceptive treatment include:

• Improved alignment of teeth which require less orthodontic treatment in the future
• Improved bite (relationship of upper and lower teeth)
• Improved appearance of facial profile
• Reduced risk of dental trauma from bumping front teeth
• Open airways with better nasal breathing
• Improved sleep (helps treat paediatric sleep apnoea)

Treatment is easy and pain-free and usually involves removable appliances which patients can remove to eat and brush their teeth. In some cases, fixed appliances may need to be used depending on the patient’s level of compliance and the complexity of the case.

Interceptive treatment can only be conducted on growing children. It will eliminate the need for a complex orthodontic treatment in the future or reduce the complexity of any future orthodontic treatment.

Once a patient has completed their growth, the only way to fix the position and shape of their jaws is through orthognathic surgery. Otherwise, the patient would have to accept the position and shape of their jaws, and will likely need to have some teeth extracted to correct their malalignment.

For further information, call Park St Dental Practice on 02 999 7 5770 or book online.

Author: Dr Peggy Fischer