By Dr. Jay R. Singer
Preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment is indicated for some children between the ages of 7 to 11 years, before all the permanent teeth have erupted. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends the first orthodontic exam at 7 years old to evaluate the need for early intervention.
Early intervention is indicated when one or more urgent problems related to tooth position, jaw growth, or detrimental habits are present. If a problem already exists, then “interceptive orthodontics” is the term used for therapy to correct the problem. “Preventive orthodontics” is the term used to describe therapy to prevent a problem from developing.
Some of the most common reasons for early intervention are:
• Early loss of deciduous teeth requiring space maintenance or regaining.
• Severe crowding.
• Cosmetic improvement of severely malposed teeth for social or psychological well-being.
• Impaction or other serious malposition, development or eruption problem involving permanent teeth.
• Noxious habits such as thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, lip biting or mouthbreathing.
• Severe protrusion of upper front teeth creating a cosmetic, speech, swallowing, or mouthbreathing problem. Protruding front teeth are more likely to fracture or get knocked out (avulsed) in case of an accident.
• Correction of a growth discrepancy with either the upper or lower jaw in either height, width, length or symmetry, especially those that cause the lower jaw to shift out of position when biting.
The Benefits of Interceptive Treatment are:
1) Eliminate the need for comprehensive treatment (phase 2) for some patients
2) Simplify phase 2, making treatment shorter and more economical.
3) Eliminate or minimize the need for removing permanent teeth during phase
4) Minimize the chance of tooth wear or injury, or periodontal (gum) problems as teeth erupt.
5) Optimize facial growth to create the best smile and facial appearance possible.
To Schedule an appointment with Singer Orthodontics please call (954) 75-SMILE
“Broward’s Most Experienced Board -Certified Orthodontist”
Creating Smiles that are A Work of Art
5481 N University Drive, Coral Springs
954-75-SMILE