Interceptive Orthodontics for Children in New Canaan
Welcome to New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, where our team is committed to ensuring your child’s lifelong dental health. Guiding your child’s dental development is a key part of our care, and sometimes, this involves early orthodontic treatment. This proactive approach is known as interceptive orthodontics, a specialized field focused on addressing developmental issues before they become more complex.
Call 203-594-9500 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
What is Interceptive Orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics, or Phase I treatment, is early orthodontic care for children. Unlike traditional braces, which are typically for adolescents, this treatment begins while a child still has some of their primary (baby) teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic screening by age seven. This is the ideal age because the first adult molars have usually emerged, establishing the back of the bite and allowing an orthodontist to identify potential issues with jaw growth and tooth alignment.
The primary goal is not to perfect the alignment of every tooth but to guide the growth of the jaw and facial bones. This creates a healthier environment for permanent teeth to emerge. By intervening early, we can address underlying structural problems that might otherwise require more invasive procedures, like surgery or extractions, later in life.
Think of it as setting the foundation for a healthy smile. By ensuring the jaw is developing correctly and that there is enough space for adult teeth, we can simplify—and sometimes even eliminate the need for—future orthodontic work.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
Choosing interceptive orthodontics provides numerous advantages for your child's long-term oral health and well-being. Early treatment addresses the root causes of misalignment, leading to more stable and lasting results.
Key benefits include:
- Guiding Jaw Growth: We can influence the jaw's growth to create a more harmonious facial structure and bite relationship.
- Creating Space for Permanent Teeth: Early intervention can make more room for crowded teeth, reducing the likelihood of needing extractions later.
- Reducing the Risk of Trauma: Protruding front teeth are more susceptible to chipping or breaking. Early treatment can help correct their position.
- Correcting Harmful Oral Habits: We can help address issues like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting that can negatively impact dental development.
- Improving Airway Issues: Certain orthodontic problems are linked to airway obstruction. Correcting them can improve breathing, especially during sleep.
- Boosting Self-Esteem: Addressing noticeable dental issues early can improve your child's confidence in their smile.
- Simplifying Future Treatment: While a second phase of treatment (Phase II) may still be necessary, it is often shorter and less complex thanks to the foundation laid in Phase I.
Why Choose Us for Your Child’s Care?
Choosing the right provider for your child’s orthodontic needs is an important decision. At New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, we provide a warm, family-friendly environment where your child can feel comfortable and safe.
- Expertise in Pediatric Dentistry: Dr. Anna Simonis has extensive training and experience in pediatric dentistry and interceptive orthodontics. She understands the unique anatomical and emotional needs of children, ensuring treatment is both effective and positive.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Our office is equipped with the latest dental technology, allowing for precise diagnoses and efficient, comfortable treatment.
- A Focus on Prevention: Our philosophy is centered on proactive care. By identifying and addressing issues early, we aim to prevent more significant problems from developing, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
To learn more, call 203-594-9500 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Is Your Child a Candidate for Interceptive Orthodontics?
During your child’s regular check-ups at New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Simonis carefully monitors their dental development. She looks for early signs that may indicate a need for orthodontic intervention. If you notice any of the following signs, it is a good idea to schedule a consultation.
Common indicators include:
- Early or late loss of primary teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb-sucking or other oral habits past age five
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, or protrude
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all (crossbite, overbite, underbite)
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
An evaluation does not automatically mean your child will need treatment. In many cases, we may simply recommend monitoring the development and intervening only when the timing is perfect.
Our Interceptive Orthodontic Procedures
At New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your child’s specific needs. After a comprehensive evaluation, we will develop a personalized treatment plan.
Our interceptive treatments may include:
Habit Appliance
Habit appliances are specialized orthodontic devices designed to help children break harmful oral habits, such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, which can affect the alignment of their teeth and jaw development. These appliances work by creating a gentle deterrent that discourages the habit, allowing the oral structures to develop properly. They are generally custom-made and tailored to the child’s unique needs, ensuring both comfort and effectiveness. By addressing these habits early, habit appliances contribute to healthier oral function and long-term dental alignment.
Space Maintainers
If a child loses a primary tooth too early, the neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space, blocking the permanent tooth from erupting properly. A space maintainer is a small appliance that holds this space open, ensuring the permanent tooth has room to grow in correctly.
Guidance of Eruption
This involves carefully monitoring tooth eruption and, when necessary, making small interventions to guide permanent teeth into their ideal positions. This might include the selective removal of a primary tooth to clear the path for an erupting adult tooth.
Orthodontic Referrals
For children who need further orthodontic treatment, we provide age-appropriate orthodontic referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interceptive Orthodontics
What age is appropriate for interceptive orthodontics?
Typically, interceptive orthodontics is recommended for children between the ages of 6 and 10 when their jaws are still developing, and they have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Early evaluation can help determine if treatment is needed.
What problems can interceptive orthodontics address?
It can help correct issues such as crowding, misaligned bites, excessive space between teeth, protruding teeth, and harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking. These early interventions can prevent more complex problems as the child grows.
Will my child still need braces later?
Interceptive orthodontics can reduce the severity of orthodontic issues but may not eliminate the need for braces during the teen years. However, it often shortens treatment time and improves overall outcomes.
What are the benefits of interceptive orthodontics?
Early treatment helps create a healthier oral environment, encourages proper jaw growth, reduces the risk of trauma to protruding teeth, and potentially eliminates or simplifies future orthodontic treatment.
How long does interceptive orthodontic treatment take?
The duration varies depending on the specific case but generally lasts from 12 to 18 months. Your orthodontist will provide a timeline based on your child’s unique needs.
Is interceptive orthodontics covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of interceptive orthodontic treatment. It’s best to contact your insurance provider or ask our team to review your coverage options.
How can I tell if my child needs interceptive orthodontics?
Signs include difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, crowded or spaced teeth, thumb-sucking, and jaws that appear too far forward or backward. Regular dental check-ups can help identify if an evaluation is needed.
Call New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry
Give your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile. If you have concerns about your child's bite or tooth alignment, or if your child is approaching age seven, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation with us, to determine if further orthodontic referral is recommended.
Call 203-594-9500 or contact New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry today to book an appointment. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and partnering with you in your child’s dental health journey.