Better Late than
Never? Not with Braces—Better Early
than Late!
When
people think of braces, they picture themselves as that awkward kid in middle school. While it’s true, 80% of what is done with
braces or Invisalign in done once all the baby teeth are gone, what about when
you see an elementary school child with braces?
This is called interceptive treatment.
Interceptive treatment, also known as phase I, is a very common and
necessary part of early orthodontic treatment and dental development.
When should my child see an
Orthodontist and what is Interceptive treatment?
The
American Association of Orthodontists suggests that patients be seen for a
consultation as early as age 7 to be considered for orthodontic treatment,
particularly interceptive treatment. Interceptive
treatment is the use of specific procedures, techniques, and appliances in
young patients, as early as age 7 and before age 12, that help facilitate
dental growth and development to either eliminate the need for a comprehensive,
full set of braces (known as phase II) or make getting braces later, around age
12, easier.
What
appliances and techniques are used in Interceptive Treatment?
There are a
variety of appliances that may be used during this first phase of treatment,
however, there are some that are most common.
For example, the use of an upper palatal expander is very commonly used
and helps to create more room for the adult teeth to come in by widening the
upper arch of the mouth. It is generally
in the mouth for approximately 6 months.
Upper Expander
An
expander can also be used on the lower teeth to reach the same result, and
sometimes both upper and lower are used at the same time. Both the upper and lower expanders fit
around the back molars of the respective arch with rings and are turned with a
key to widen the arch.
Lower Expander Expand
The
use of braces is also another technique used during this phase. Braces are used to straighten the adult teeth
and are adhered most often to the front teeth only, either just on top, or both
top and bottom.
Phase I Braces
When
the braces and expander are removed at the end of this phase, a permanent
bonded retainer may be used on the backside of the front teeth to hold them in
place along with the use of what is called a lingual arch. A lingual arch fits around the back teeth
with rings just as the expander does, and a small wire runs around the inside
of all the teeth on top (and/or on bottom) to also help hold the treatment that
has been done during this phase while waiting for phase II to begin around age
12.
Always
remember that every child is different.
Not everyone is going to need all of the appliances that have been
mentioned here, and some may require something that is not mentioned here. Overall, the important thing is to make sure
you are visiting an orthodontist that you trust and feel comfortable with when
your child is around age 7, and then, on a regular basis even for observation
purposes. As your child grows and
develops they may require interceptive treatment that was not necessary at the
first consultation.
If
you live or work in the Akron Ohio area, give us a call to schedule a
complimentary consultation. Let’s make
sure to be early, rather than late!
Amanda
Spies--Orthodontic
Assistant
Barnett
Orthodontics
Barberton,
Ohio 44203
330-745-4497
