Interceptive Orthodontics
Rockwall, Texas
When people think of orthodontic treatment, they often picture a teenager or adolescent wearing braces. But did you know that problems with a child's teeth alignment or bite can be identified at a young age? At Happy Harbor Pediatric Dentistry, we offer interceptive orthodontics, a proactive approach to guide healthy growth and development. Our board-certified pediatric dentist and team strive to address minor problems right from the start, minimizing the need for extensive orthodontic treatment down the road.
Pediatric Services
When Should You Schedule Your Child's First Orthodontic Evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends having an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At Happy Harbor Pediatric Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of early care even if everything seems to be on track. Many problems with the alignment of your child's teeth and bite can be identified and corrected during this stage, when your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth.
What Are Examples of Early Orthodontic Treatments?
Early orthodontic intervention options include the following:
Space Maintainers
The premature loss of a baby tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift toward the gap, leading to misaligned teeth and preventing the adult teeth from coming in correctly. Space maintainers help maintain the space left by a missing tooth, ensuring the permanent replacement has the space needed to emerge in the proper position. Space maintainers have been shown to significantly reduce the need for and complexity of future orthodontic treatment.
Palatal Expansion
A palatal expander is an orthodontic device designed to expand the palate of the roof of the mouth, creating more room in the upper dental arch. Palatal expansion can help correct a range of orthodontic problems, including overcrowding, crossbites, and even mouth breathing.
Crossbite Correction
A crossbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth don't line up properly. An orthodontic appliance, such as a Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) or Quad Helix, can gently guide proper jaw growth and development to improve the alignment of your child's bite, helping prevent future orthodontic problems.
Ectopic Eruption Correction
A permanent tooth can sometimes emerge in the wrong place or at the wrong angle. Early orthodontic appliances can gently guide the tooth into its proper position, preventing crowding or damage to any nearby teeth.
Creating Space for Adult Teeth
If your child's adult teeth do not have enough room to come in correctly, we can make adjustments early on. Our goal is to ensure the proper alignment of your child's teeth and bite and to avoid future overcrowding.
Kids don't need to lose all their baby teeth before starting orthodontic treatment. In fact, the mixed dentition stage, when a child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, is the perfect time for early intervention.
What Is Interceptive Orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11, when a child still has some baby teeth remaining. While some problems with the bite can be addressed after all the permanent teeth come in, early treatment is usually easier, shorter, and more effective.
The following are some of the goals of interceptive orthodontics:
- Creating the space needed for the permanent teeth to come in properly
- Address issues with the bite issues early, including overbites, crossbites, open bites, and underbites
- Guiding jaw growth and development to prevent asymmetry or crowding
- Correct harmful oral habits, such as thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or tongue thrusting
- Reducing the need for extractions or extensive orthodontic treatments in the future
Interceptive Orthodontics Near Me in Rockwall, TX
If you would like to learn more about interceptive orthodontics, contact Happy Harbor Pediatric Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Dr. Burns and our kid-friendly team are proponents of early intervention to lay the foundation for healthy and beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.
We invite you to call us at 469-887-9292 to schedule your child's appointment or request one online today!
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Chart a Course to a Healthy Smile!
Your child's journey to a confident, healthy smile starts here. Whether it's their first appointment or you're already part of our Happy Harbor Pediatric Dentistry family, we're here to make every visit one your child will enjoy again and again. We invite you to schedule your child's appointment today!