Interceptive Orthodontics
Epic Dental Orthodontists and Pediatric Dentists thoroughly assess each patient’s orthodontic status at every periodic dental evaluation appointment. Documentation may include digital photography at varying stages of growth and development as well as written notes. These recorded observations provide us with a unique perspective to appropriately time the most advantageous intervention, should one be needed.
Generally, we prefer providing orthodontic treatment in a single, condensed, continuous time period. Most often treatment can begin once most of the permanent teeth have come in, typically beginning between ages 10-13. Treatment time is usually in the range of 12-30 months.
However, there are instances when earlier intervention is best. Problems which may best be addressed with early phase orthodontics include narrow upper jaw width, cross-bite (upper teeth aligned inside or behind lower teeth), severe malocclusion and crowding, mouth breathing, and sucking habits. Early treatment can sometimes eliminate the need for full orthodontic treatment later on. We follow our younger patients for guided eruption so that we can improve or eliminate problems with dental development. In other cases, it can result in less complicated or quicker second phase orthodontics.
To learn more about early phase orthodontics or to make an appointment, please contact us at our Norwood pediatric dental office.
