Early Orthodontics: Phase 1 Interceptive Treatment
Burtonsville, MD
Setting the Foundation for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
Did you know that orthodontic evaluations begin long before the teen years? At Bespoke Orthodontics, we assess the alignment of your child's teeth and bite to ensure their growth and development are on track. If we detect any potential concerns, we may recommend phase I interceptive treatment to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
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When Should You Schedule the First Orthodontic Screening?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends seeing an orthodontist by age 7. At Bespoke Orthodontics, we emphasize the need for early evaluation even if everything seems to be on track. Dr. Callahan can identify potential concerns (impactions, congenital absence of teeth, etc.) and determine whether intervention is needed even before the baby teeth fall out.
If, however, you have any concerns before age 7, we are happy to perform an evaluation. The sooner a problem is corrected, the better the outcomes for your little one's smile. Intercepting problems from a young age can help reduce orthodontic treatment and may minimize the need for extractions. Moreover, missing conditions early on can sometimes limit treatment options down the road.
What Is Phase I Interceptive Treatment?
Phase I Interceptive Treatment focuses on identifying and addressing orthodontic concerns at an early age to take advantage of continuing growth. Treatments may include the use of expanders to widen the jaw, lower lingual holding arches, space maintainers to manage space for incoming teeth, reverse headgear (protraction facemask) to correct jaw discrepancies, and lip bumpers to create space in the lower arch.
Sometimes, serial extractions of primary (and possibly permanent) teeth are necessary to address space deficiencies and prevent future tooth impactions. Our goal is to create or maintain space and place teeth in a more favorable position to avoid injury and to improve the relationship between the upper and lower dental arches.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment offers numerous benefits, including the following:
- It Allows for Proactive Care: Early evaluation helps establish lasting relationships and allows Dr. Callahan to identify and treat potential problems as they develop rather than correcting them after they become more complex.
- It Delivers Better Results: Interceptive orthodontics typically occurs between the ages of 7 and 11 when a child's teeth, jaws, and gums are malleable and responsive to treatment, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
- It Simplifies Future Treatment: Interceptive orthodontics can minimize the need for extensive treatments such as tooth extraction while simplifying or shortening the time needed for braces or clear aligner treatment in the future.
- It Helps Create and Maintain Space: By managing the growth of the jaws and spacing of the teeth, we can prevent overcrowding and reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth.
- It Encourages Optimal Development: Addressing issues like crossbites early can prevent problems such as TMJ dysfunction, damage to gums and bones, and uneven wear on teeth.
- It Helps Correct Oral Habits: Early orthodontic treatment can help identify oral habits that may lead to orthodontic problems, such as thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and problems with swallowing.
- It Helps Prevent Injuries: Correcting protruding front teeth and ensuring a child's teeth and jaws are properly aligned helps reduce the risk of injury to the teeth, especially in active children.
Early Orthodontics Near Me in Burtonsville, MD
Is your child close to turning 7? Now's the perfect time to contact Bespoke Orthodontics and schedule your little one's first orthodontic evaluation. Remember, the sooner a problem is detected, the better the long-term outcomes. If your child requires phase I interceptive treatment, you can count on Dr. Callahan and her team for care that exceeds your expectations.
Call us at 301-857-9096 or complete our online form to request an appointment today.