As parents, we want our children to have a head start on having the healthiest teeth possible. That’s where early interceptive treatment, also known as early orthodontic treatment, comes in. At CaliSmile Orthodontics, we believe that early intervention in your child’s orthodontic needs an investment in their oral health and in their mental health too. A straight smile promotes self-esteem and confidence.
What is CaliSmile Orthodontics Early Interceptive Treatment?
Early interceptive treatment begins with early identification and prevention of orthodontic concerns that can be more complicated. At CaliSmile Orthodontics, we start addressing potential issues as soon as any warning signs arise.
Early interceptive treatment begins in the mixed dentition phase when both baby teeth and permanent teeth are present in a child’s mouth. It is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontics children have their first orthodontic visit between the ages of 6 and 10.
If an orthodontic issue is discovered, treatment may start while they’re in the dentition phase. Or, the orthodontist may decide to delay the work until all of the permanent teeth are in.
The goal of interceptive orthodontic treatment is to prevent the need for more extensive care.
What Early Interceptive Treatment Addresses
Early interceptive treatment can help with a variety of dental problems, such as:
- Teeth can become crowded if there is not enough room in the mouth for them all to fit comfortably. This can cause alignment problems as well as pain.
- Biting and chewing difficulties
- Can arise from crossbite that causes the upper teeth to descend improperly.
- Can be caused by an overbite, in which the upper set of teeth excessively overlaps the lower set.
- Can arise from an open bite, in which the front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed.
○ Can be caused by an underbite, which occurs when the lower set of teeth does not fully overlap the upper set.
How Effective is Early Interceptive Treatment?
Early interceptive treatment has the potential to be very helpful for diagnosing and treating orthodontic issues if it is used early enough. Compared to conventional orthodontic care, early interceptive treatment often only takes a fraction of the time to finish because orthodontic appliances and braces are more effective when applied to a child’s teeth while the jaw is still developing. If early interceptive treatment is given, it may not be necessary to do more extensive orthodontic work later.
Another benefit of getting interceptive treatment early on is that it can prevent more dental problems from happening. When a child’s teeth are too close together, it can be challenging to keep them clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. We can stop these problems from becoming catastrophic if action is taken early enough.
We can’t overlook the role teeth play in mental health either. Having irregular teeth can cause a child to have low self-esteem. Speech can be a challenge as well. With early interceptive treatment, your child can have a confident smile and that is priceless.
Parent-Child Cooperation Optimizes Treatment Success
Both the child and the parents need to be dedicated to the process for early interceptive treatment to be successful. During this time, your child may need to wear braces or other appliances. It’s wise to schedule regular appointments with your orthodontist, Dr. Amir, so he can check in on your progress and make any necessary adjustments. Although it may be inconvenient at first, early interceptive treatment will pay off in the long run by giving your child a healthier and happier smile.
Things to do if you’re thinking about starting your child on early interceptive treatment:
- Make an appointment with an expert orthodontist in the Encino and West Hills area.
- Get a personalized treatment plan. Your child’s dental health can be checked out, and the chances of needing early treatment can be determined after a consultation with the orthodontist.
The Rewards of Early Intervention Last a Lifetime
Preventive care is essential for your child’s oral health. With early interceptive treatment, you can save time and money and help your child grow up with a healthy smile. Schedule a consultation today at CaliSmile Orthodontics with our master orthodontist, Dr. Amir Dehghan, by calling (310) 947-8734.
