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Starting orthodontic care for your young child may seem drastic. But by beginning proactive care early, we can help minimize or even eliminate their need for more extensive treatments in the future. Give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles.
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What is Early Interceptive Orthodontics?
Did you know…
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that kids get their first orthodontic consultation no later than the age of 7 years old.
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No More Messy Impressions
With our intraoral scanner, we’re able to create accurate 3D models of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw structure, all without the need for messy impressions. These images allow us to create the most efficient treatment plans, and even see what your child’s smile will look like after their treatment has finished.
Board-Certified Orthodontist
When you bring your child to a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Chandiramani, you’re getting the peace of mind knowing that your little one’s smile is in the hands of an experienced professional who is dedicated to keeping up with the latest advancements in orthodontics and patient care.
Phase 1 Clear Aligners
Some children may be eligible for clear aligner therapy as part of their phase 1 treatment. That way, they can still get the care they need without traditional appliances.
Keeping Care Accessible
We believe that everyone deserves a chance at a healthy smile, and that’s why we do everything we can to make paying for dental care as easy as possible.
The Benefits of Phase 1 Orthodontics
Develop A Healthy Bite
Phase 1 orthodontics is particularly important in patients who may have serious jaw problems or a narrow palate. These issues can interfere with the development of a healthy bite. In the future, this could lead to problems when the permanent teeth erupt, such as speech impediments, premature tooth wear, oral trauma, and other issues. With early interceptive orthodontics, these complex issues can be reduced or eliminated.
Reduce Tooth Misalignment
Early interceptive orthodontics helps the adult teeth erupt in the proper places, and can reduce or even eliminate the misalignment of adult teeth. This improves your child’s smile and oral health. In some cases, they may not even need braces (phase 2 orthodontics) to straighten their teeth.
Treat Other Dental/Health Complications
A bad bite and misaligned teeth can contribute to or cause lots of other problems like disordered breathing, a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay, speech issues, and much more. Proper care from an expert orthodontist will prevent all of these problems and more.
The Early Interceptive Orthodontics Treatment Process
Initial Consultation & Treatment Planning
First, your child will need to have an appointment with an experienced Louisville orthodontist. Your child’s orthodontist will take detailed x-rays, perform a comprehensive exam, and assess their overall oral health to determine if your child needs phase 1 orthodontics. Once your child is approved for treatment, their orthodontist will develop a customized treatment plan.
Treatment & Appliance Placement
Your child's orthodontist will then begin treatment based on the approved treatment plan. This can include extractions and appliance placement. Some examples of phase 1 oral appliances are special braces, palate expanders, headgear, habit appliances to help with things like thumb-sucking or bad swallow, and a variety of other treatments. Every child is different, so your orthodontist will discuss their plan with you and schedule all of the necessary follow-ups and checkups. After Phase I is complete, we will continue to monitor your child until all of their permanent teeth have erupted, and they are ready for potential Phase II orthodontic treatment.
Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups
Phase 1 orthodontics typically takes about 12 months, though some patients may have shorter or longer treatment times. During this time, your child will come back to our office for frequent visits with their orthodontist. Their orthodontist will check on their oral health, examine their progress, and make sure everything’s on track. This same process will continue until your child’s treatment is complete.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my child may need early interceptive orthodontics?
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If your child is showcasing one or more of the following signs & symptoms, they may be a good candidate for early interceptive orthodontic treatment:
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Crowded teeth
- Excessively gapped teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking
Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.
What are the benefits of early interceptive orthodontics?
Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could worsen over time and cause severe dental issues in adulthood if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to recognize and eliminate these problems as early as possible, so a child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.
What causes orthodontic problems in my child?
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
At what age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.
How much does early interceptive orthodontics cost?
The cost of early interceptive orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s early interceptive orthodontics is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
