The Role of Interceptive Orthodontics in Correcting Bite Problems

Interceptive orthodontics is a form of orthodontic treatment that focuses on correcting bite problems and teeth misalignment at an early age before it becomes severe and more complicated to treat. It is safe to say that interceptive orthodontics is suitable for kids as their jaws are still developing; therefore, taking them to pediatric dentistry near you for the treatment would be best. This piece will help you understand more about interceptive orthodontics and why you should take your child to the interceptive orthodontics near you.

What Is Interceptive Orthodontics?

As mentioned earlier, interceptive orthodontics is a treatment that takes advantage of growing jaws to correct dental problems like overbites, underbites, misalignment, and overbites. By taking your child to the interceptive orthodontics in Houston, TX, you’ll save a lot of money you’d have spent in the future to correct the orthodontic problem. It will be more expensive to treat the fully developed jaws as more extensive procedures will be needed.

Interceptive orthodontics includes using removable and fixed appliances to treat dental problems. A space maintainer is one of the most common appliances used in early treatment. A space maintainer is used to leave enough space open for permanent teeth to grow after the premature loss of baby teeth.

How To Know If Your Child Needs Interceptive Orthodontics?

There is no sure way for a parent to know whether or not their kid needs interceptive orthodontics. This is why taking your child to the dentist is recommended once their first tooth erupts. If you do so, the pediatric dentist will examine your child’s oral health and jaw and recommend early treatment once they get to 7 to 8 years.

Some of the things that the dentist might look for to recommend early treatment include:

• Overcrowded or crooked teeth: you don’t need to take your child to the dentist for you to know that they have crooked or crowded teeth. Look at their teeth, and you’ll know whether their teeth are growing as expected or out of line. Additionally, your kid may get concerned about their smile as crooked teeth will negatively affect their smile.
• Chewing problems: dental problems can lead to your child’s jaw shifting when they need to chew. They may complain that their teeth and gums feel sore when they eat. So, observe how your child chews as it might indicate if they’re an ideal candidate for early orthodontic treatment.
• Difficulty speaking: if your child has problems with their jaw, it can be challenging to pronounce certain words and develop speech problems like lisp. These are indications that your child has misaligned teeth or jaw. For instance, if their upper jaw narrows, it can make speech resonance challenging: However, interceptive orthodontics can help correct the problem.
• Thumb or finger sucking: most kids stop sucking their thumbs after age 5. If your child still sucks their thumb past this age, it can cause their upper front teeth to stick out. When their front teeth stick out, it can create problems with their speech and lead to teeth crowding.
• Crooked jaw: after taking your child to the pediatric dentistry near you, the dentist will examine your child’s jaw to check if it’s out of alignment. If so, the dentist may recommend interceptive orthodontics before the jaw fully grows.
• Premature tooth loss: most times, kids stop losing their teeth by age 12. Losing their teeth is essential as it ensures adult teeth erupt as expected. However, if your child begins to lose their teeth before they reach age 7, it might be a cause for concern. It would be best to talk to an orthodontist as soon as possible.

How Does Interceptive Orthodontics Correct Bite Problems?

• Reduction of protrusions to correct overbites and risk of dental trauma.
• Removal of certain over-retained baby teeth that may hinder the perfect eruption of adult teeth.
• Stopping a child’s thumb-sucking behavior that may cause teeth crowding and speech problems.
• Maintaining the space for permanent teeth through the use of space maintainers for a perfect bite and adult teeth.
• Expanding the child’s jaws creates space for future orthodontic treatments like braces.
• By expanding the child’s upper jaw to correct crossbites.

Interceptive orthodontics is a necessary treatment for your child’s oral health. If you notice some of the signs listed above, visit Molar Bear Pediatric Dentistry. Our pediatric dentist will examine your child’s teeth and jaw and recommend the most suitable treatment.