It’s always early enough to think about orthodontics. Early orthodontic treatments can address issues that may not be resolved with more typical orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontics specialises in diagnosing, treating, and preventing irregularities of teeth and jaws. A specialised orthodontic procedure called interceptive orthodontics addresses issues in young children.
This post will discuss early intervention Orthodontics and its importance and benefits.
What Is Early Intervention Orthodontics?
Early Intervention Orthodontics is a branch that focuses on correcting orthodontic problems in children before they become more serious.
Problems such as tooth crowding, misplaced teeth, overbites, and underbites can be treated with Early Intervention Orthodontics.
Early intervention can also prevent the need for more expensive and invasive treatments later.
If you think your child may have orthodontic problems, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. The issue will only get worse if it is ignored.
Benefits of Early Intervention Orthodontics
The benefits of early intervention in Orthodontics are vast. Interceptive Orthodontics can treat many problems that would otherwise require extensive and expensive treatment later.
Some of the most common problems that can be treated with early intervention in Orthodontics include overcrowding, protruding teeth, misaligned teeth, and jaw joint dysfunction. These problems can be corrected before they cause more extensive and expensive damage.
But that’s not the only reason to seek treatment early. Early intervention in Orthodontics can also help improve a child’s self-esteem and overall dental health. Having a healthy smile is something that will stay with them for a lifetime.
The Key Stages of Early Intervention Orthodontics
What are the critical stages of early intervention in Orthodontics? Generally speaking, the process involves three main steps: diagnosis, preventive, and interceptive treatment.
The diagnosis stage is when an orthodontist assesses your child’s oral health and discusses potential problems.
Preventive treatment, such as using a particular appliance to correct sucking habits in infants, minimises or prevents more severe problems from developing in the future.
Interceptive treatment consists of orthodontic treatments when your child’s permanent teeth appear in their mouth to reduce the need for more complex treatments later.
While early intervention Orthodontics can help you address many orthodontic problems, there are better choices for everyone. Sometimes, waiting until all adult teeth have come through can be more beneficial and makes more sense depending on the individual case, so it’s essential to speak with your Orthodontist and get their advice.
How Is the Treatment Performed?
The treatment for early intervention in Orthodontics is much less intrusive than traditional Orthodontics, and it focuses mainly on developing the jaw rather than straightening the teeth. It does this through a combination of corrective appliances, full braces and removable retainers.
The first stage of the treatment is to develop a comprehensive orthodontic assessment, which is done by taking photographs, x-rays and digital impressions of the jaws and teeth. This information helps your Orthodontist create a detailed plan for managing your child’s dental problem best.
Once the assessment has been completed, your Orthodontist will create and fit an appliance that will help correct the out alignment of your child’s jaw that is causing their teeth to be misaligned. The appliance will remain in place until your Orthodontist determines it’s no longer needed or until all of the work can be done with braces or retainers.
Finally, any necessary metal braces or retainers may be applied to complete the treatment process and ensure the teeth are properly aligned and functioning correctly.
Conclusion
Now that you know what early intervention orthodontics is and what problems it can treat. It is essential to consult your Orthodontist. The bottom line is that early intervention orthodontics can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth, it’s worth considering taking them to an orthodontist for an evaluation. Many problems can be easily corrected with early intervention, and it’s always better to catch problems early.