Interceptive Treatment
About Interceptive (Phase One) Treatment
Interceptive orthodontic treatment, also called “phase one treatment”, is orthodontic treatment that aims to tackle a specific problem early on that could become more difficult to treat in the future. Not everyone needs interceptive orthodontic treatment.
At the age of seven, we can begin to identify serious misalignment issues, for example an upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough. An early orthodontic consultation will allow Dr. Maslowski and Dr. Michel to look for any discrepancies that may require interceptive treatment. Early orthodontic intervention reduces the need for extractions and other complicated, costly procedures later on in life.
What we look for:
- Baby teeth falling out early or late
- Extra or missing teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Unnatural spacing or teeth erupting out of place
- Teeth out of alignment, including crooked teeth or teeth that don’t meet when biting
- A visit early on also allows us to check for constricted airways which can contribute to difficulty breathing, persistent snoring or grinding of the teeth.
- If your child has jaws that are painful or, harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking, it is also helpful to see an orthodontist.
Overall, the benefits of interceptive/phase one treatment are:
- Improved health, function and aesthetics
- Reduced need for extraction
- Reduced need for jaw surgery
- Improved airways
- A nicer smile
- Proper facial growth potential