Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment/Pediatric Dentistry – Chesterfield, MO & St Charles, MO
Phase one treatment, also known as interceptive (or growth) treatment is the first stage of the two-phase pediatric orthodontic treatment. The first phase of treatment involves modifying unfavorable growth (underbites, large overbites, crossbites, asymmetries, etc) and/or assisting eruption of permanent teeth to avoid tooth impactions (teeth that are stuck). This should be evaluated in all children at age 7 or older, but not all children require this phase of treatment. This foundation (jaw bones) will set up the next phase of treatment (Phase II) which is tooth alignment and final occlusion. This early phase I is more important in some patients than phase II because the facial and smile features can be improved in ways that can’t be done later.
Types of Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics interventions or interceptive orthodontic treatment is performed at an early age where the goal is to resolve creating orthodontic issues and guide the development of the jaw and emission of the teeth to prevent more difficult issues later on. Following are some of the interceptive orthodontic treatments:
- Space Maintainers: Utilized when an essential (child) tooth is lost prematurely to keep up with space for the long-lasting tooth.
- Orthodontic Expanders: It is used to resolve issues connected with a tight upper jaw by extending the sense of taste.
- Habit Appliances: Intended to assist kids with getting out from under propensities like thumb-sucking or tongue-pushing that can influence the advancement of the teeth and jaw.
- Functional Appliances: Used to address jaw errors and work on the connection between the upper and lower jaws.
- Interceptive Jaw Orthopedics: To direct the development of the jaws and work on their relationship.
Examples of phase I issues: large overjet, large overbite, underbite, crossbites, open bites, habits (thumb sucking, etc), asymmetric growth patterns, prominent or weak chins, and more.
Phase I Expansion for Posterior Crossbite
Phase I – Underbite Correction
Phase I – Correction of oral habit