What to expect from early intervention orthodontics?

Early intervention orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is a treatment approach that aims to correct certain orthodontic problems in children before all of their adult teeth erupt. Some common issues that early intervention addresses include crowded or protruding front teeth, underbites, and crossbites. The treatment may involve using appliances such as expanders, headgear, or functional appliances to guide the growth of the jaw and teeth. Experts typically recommend this treatment for children between 6 and 12 years old.

Here’s more information regarding the intricacies of early intervention orthodontics.

What Is the Purpose of Early Intervention Orthodontics?

Interceptive orthodontics aims to address certain orthodontic problems in children before all of their adult teeth erupt. Such action prevents more severe issues and makes eventual treatment with braces or other appliances more effective and efficient.

The primary goal is to guide the growth and development of the jaw and teeth, creating a more favourable environment for future permanent teeth. In some cases, it also prepares the mouth to accept the braces or other appliances when your child is old enough for the final treatment. It also aims to alleviate any functional issues such as difficulty in biting and chewing, speech difficulties and self-esteem issues caused by the malocclusion.

Also Read: Kids with Yellow Teeth: What Measures Should Parents Take?

What Can You Expect from Early Intervention Orthodontics?

You can expect the orthodontist to thoroughly examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite during interceptive orthodontics. This process may involve X-rays, photographs, and models of the child’s teeth to help the specialist develop a treatment plan.

Depending on the specific problem the orthodontist is addressing, they may fit your child with various appliances to guide the growth and development of their jaw and teeth. These devices may include expanders, which widen the upper jaw to make room for crowded teeth; headgear, which helps guide the growth of the jaw; or functional appliances, which help correct bite problems.

Your child will need to visit the orthodontist regularly to have the appliances adjusted and to monitor the progress of treatment. They may also need to wear the devices for a certain period each day, follow instructions for caring for the appliances, and maintain good oral hygiene.

After the early intervention treatment is completed, the orthodontist will continue to monitor your child until the permanent teeth are in place, and may require additional treatment with braces or other appliances later.

Also Read: Having Braces on Yellow Teeth? 7 Yellow Stain Removal Ways

Benefits and Achievements of Early Intervention Orthodontics

Early intervention orthodontics can provide various benefits for your child, including:

1. Preventing more severe problems from developing: Addressing certain orthodontic issues early on can prevent them from becoming more acute and difficult to treat in the future. For example, it allows the orthodontist to address spacing issues, like when teeth drift into the site of a baby tooth that was lost early.
2. Making future treatment more effective and efficient: Guiding the growth and development of the jaw and teeth during the early years can create a more favorable environment for permanent teeth. It may also prepare the mouth to accept having braces or other appliances when the child is old enough for the final treatment.
3. Improving function: Early intervention orthodontics can help alleviate functional issues such as difficulty in biting and chewing, speech difficulties, and self-esteem issues caused by malocclusion.
4. Reducing overall treatment time: Starting treatment early can reduce the time your child needs to spend in treatment and the complexity of treatment.
5. Enhancing self-esteem: Early intervention can help your child feel better about their appearance and boost their self-esteem, which can positively impact their social and emotional development.
6. Cost-effective: Early intervention orthodontics can be more cost-effective than traditional orthodontic treatment, as it can reduce the need for more extensive and expensive treatment later on.

It’s worth noting that not all children will benefit from early intervention orthodontics, and the orthodontist will assess the child’s individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment.

SAHIL BATRA

Hi, I’m the Founder and Developer of Paramedics World, a blog truly devoted to Paramedics. I am a Medical Lab Tech, a Web Developer and Bibliophiliac. My greatest hobby is to teach and motivate other peoples to do whatever they wanna do in life.