Interceptive Treatment

-For children-

Treatment for Children

Interceptive treatment is used to prevent a problem from developing, prevent a developing problem from becoming worse, or guide the growth of the jaws (growth modification or dentofacial orthopedics).

The goal of interceptive treatment is to create a more favourable environment for eruption of the permanent (adult) teeth or to address growth issues.  The appropriate use of early treatment may negate the need for later treatment, reduce the complexity and cost of second phase treatment or ultimately provide a more predictable and stable treatment outcome.

The Canadian and American Associations of Orthodontics recommend all patients have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7.  

While most children will not be ready for treatment at this time, early screening can prevent problems from developing or intercept developing problems.  Children not ready for treatment will be placed on our complimentary growth and development program.

Benefits of Early Treatment

  • Improve jaw growth and facial balance

  • Reduce the likelihood of impacted adult teeth and guide adult teeth into a more favourable position

  • Eliminate harmful oral habits, such as thumb- or finger-sucking

  • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth 

  • Reduce the probability of later extractions or jaw surgery to correct the bite

  • Simplify, shorten, or eliminate the need for full orthodontic treatment

  • Improve appearance and self-esteem

  • Improve speech impediments, biting and chewing difficulties

FAQs

  • Interceptive treatment typically lasts 6-12 months. Following active phase I treatment we will continue to monitor your child’s dental and skeletal development to determine if or when a second phase of treatment is needed. 

  • Since phase one treatment is initiated when baby teeth are still present in the mouth, a second phase of treatment with braces is usually needed to align the adult teeth and set the bite.  When needed, early treatment simplifies and often shortens later treatment.  It also improves the stability of the results, thereby optimizing your child’s long-term oral health, oral function, dental esthetics, and facial balance.