Interceptive orthodontic treatment: what it is, the types and benefits

Did you know that it’s possible to avoid several years of orthodontics and potential surgeries by addressing problems early? This is precisely what interceptive orthodontics, otherwise known as early orthodontic treatment, does - it acts at a young age to guide the growth of teeth and bones before issues become more serious. This preventive approach not only reduces the duration of future corrective orthodontic treatments but also eliminates the need for invasive procedures later on. In this article, we’ll tell you more about interceptive orthodontics and how it can be key to improving the oral health of young children.

What is interceptive orthodontics and what is it used for?

Interceptive orthodontics is a preventive treatment designed specifically for children, aimed at correcting irregular development of teeth and the mandibular and maxillary bones. In other words, this approach seeks to address dental alignment and bone growth issues before the jaw and maxillary bones are fully developed.

Intervening at this early stage makes it easier to manage potential problems and reduces the need for more complex corrections in adulthood.

It is therefore essential for parents to understand what interceptive orthodontics is and the benefits it offers.

It’s worth noting that most children who undergo early orthodontic treatment will still need to use conventional braces once their teeth have fully developed. However, having undergone interceptive treatment beforehand will make the later treatment much simpler, quicker, and more effective.

At what age is interceptive orthodontics recommended?

Every child grows at their own pace, which is why age is somewhat relative. In terms of oral health, what truly matters is the development of the teeth. In other words, the first visit to a dentist is recommended when the primary teeth appear, around the age of 2–3 years, and the first consultation with an orthodontist is advised when the first molars erupt, typically around the age of 6–7 years.

This visit allows the dentist to check whether the teeth and bones are developing properly and can determine whether interceptive treatment is necessary or not.

To summarise, the age for interceptive orthodontics usually ranges between 6 and 11 years, before the permanent teeth have fully developed.

When is early orthodontic treatment recommended?

dentifying problems in the development of a child’s teeth or their mandibular and maxillary bones is crucial for determining whether early orthodontic treatment is necessary. Some of the most common signs in these children include:

• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Frequent mouth breathing
• Thumb-sucking or overuse of a dummy
• Trouble pronouncing certain sounds or words
• Excessive gaps between the teeth

These symptoms may indicate the need for early intervention with early interceptive orthodontic treatment to correct dental development.

Types of interceptive orthodontic procedures and appliances

Interceptive orthodontic appliances are used to address dental and skeletal issues before a child’s teeth are fully developed. These appliances can be fixed (permanently attached to the teeth during treatment) or removable (worn and removed as needed). Common interceptive orthodontic appliances include:

• Palatal expander: This widens a narrow palate, correcting crossbites and creating space for developing teeth.
• Face mask: An external metal device used to correct maxillary growth issues, particularly in cases of retrognathia (receding chin).
• Orthodontic headgear: Provides additional support to teeth and bones, addressing crossbites or dental alignment issues.
• Hawley retainer: Often used post-treatment to maintain teeth alignment, but can also help with expansion or alignment depending on its design.
• Schwarz plate: A removable appliance with an adjustable screw to gradually expand the upper or lower arch.
• Habit control devices: Such as lingual grids. These are designed to manage behaviours like thumb-sucking.
• Mandibular advancement devices: Like Sander guides, that help to align the lower jaw.

Interceptive orthodontic procedures often involve these appliances to correct early developmental issues, with interceptive braces being a key solution for many cases. These are some of the most commonly used tools in interceptive orthodontics.

Pros and cons of early orthodontic treatment

The benefits of early orthodontic treatment go far beyond aesthetics. Interceptive orthodontics for children is primarily a health-focused approach, helping to prevent more serious issues in adulthood. Addressing dental and skeletal problems while the bones are still developing allows for better outcomes, often avoiding the need for invasive treatments later in life.

Additionally, after interceptive and preventive orthodontic procedures, corrective treatments tend to be simpler, faster, and more affordable. However, it's important to consider the early orthodontic treatment pros and cons. While the benefits are significant, explaining the need for an appliance to a young child can be challenging. These devices may be uncomfortable, requiring patience and encouragement to help children understand the long-term advantages.

Cost of interceptive orthodontic treatment

The cost of interceptive orthodontics for children depends on the complexity of the case, the dental clinic, the location, and the orthodontist’s expertise.

This makes it difficult to provide an average figure. However, we can give some approximate estimates. For instance, treatments involving only a palatal expander typically start at around £1,000, but this amount can increase if follow-up visits or additional procedures are required. Most interceptive treatments, however, cost over £1,500 and can range up to £3,000 or even higher in some cases.

Conclusion

To conclude, by correcting problems while the jaw and teeth are still developing, your children are less likely to need more complex and invasive treatments later on in life.

Understanding your child’s dental development is key to recognising when intervention might be needed. If you'd like to learn more about what to expect as your child’s baby teeth grow and transition to permanent teeth, you can read our blog on milk teeth.