Early Interceptive Treatment in Purcellville, VA
At Excelsior Orthodontics, we offer early interceptive treatment to address dental and jaw development issues in children ages 6 to 10. This proactive care helps correct concerns like overcrowding, misaligned bites, or habits affecting oral health, guiding proper jaw growth and tooth alignment.
Start your child on the path to a healthy smile—schedule a consultation with us today!
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Early Treatment vs. Prolonging Treatment
Early Interceptive
Treatment Benefits
Corrects Jaw Growth Early
Early interceptive treatment helps guide proper jaw growth during a child’s developmental years, reducing the risk of severe misalignments or bite issues as they grow.
Prevents Future Dental Problems
Addressing issues like overcrowding or improper spacing early can prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later, saving time and money.
Improves Oral Habits
Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and other habits can affect oral development. Early treatment corrects these behaviors, protecting the health and alignment of the teeth and jaw.
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Phase One
Phase one usually begins when a child is around 6-7 years old. Candidates for early interceptive treatment include those with over/underbites, protruding front teeth from thumb sucking, asymmetric jaw growth, or spacing issues. Depending on the issue, we use appliances such as expanders or a partial set of braces, usually for a period of 6-12 months.
Phase Two
Phase two treatment is typically recommended for children between the ages of 11-13. The goal of this phase is to properly position all of the permanent teeth with either braces or clear aligners. This phase typically lasts between 12-18 months.
Phase Three
Phase three of treatment consists of retaining the results achieved in the first two phases. This can be done with a retainer, which may be removable or permanent in nature depending on your child’s specific orthodontic needs.
See the Transformations
Discover the life-changing results of early interceptive treatment at Excelsior Orthodontics. View real patient transformations that showcase the difference early orthodontic care can make in creating healthy, beautiful smiles for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about early orthodontic care for your child? Explore our FAQ section to learn how early interceptive treatment works, its benefits, and how it sets the stage for a healthy, confident smile.
What causes orthodontic problems in my child?
There are several reasons that your child may need early interceptive treatment, including:
Many children need orthodontic correction, and unfortunately as parents, we can’t control that. What you can control, however, is choosing to provide early intervention that minimizes complications and helps align their teeth for optimal health and function.
What should we expect at a consultation for possible early treatment?
During a consultation for possible early treatment, Dr. Nguyen, a pediatric orthodontist in Charles Town, WV, will evaluate your child's dental and facial development to determine if early interceptive treatment (phase I) is necessary. If so, our team will recommend the best treatment options to address any orthodontic issues and help prevent more severe problems from developing later on. If your child is not yet ready for treatment, we will place them in our growth monitoring program, where they will be seen every six months to track their growth and teeth eruption until treatment is necessary. Our goal is always to provide the most effective and personalized care for your child, and we will work closely with you every step of the way to ensure the best possible outcome for their oral health and overall well-being.
At what age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
If you suspect your child may need orthodontic treatment, we suggest a phased approach, beginning as early as 7 or 8 years old. If you're looking for a pediatric orthodontist near me 20132, come in for a consultation with us to identify these potential issues before your child’s adult teeth are in; that way we can help guide the alignment of your child’s permanent teeth before it becomes more complicated to do so.
After phase 1 treatment, when does my child get phase 2 treatment?
The timing of phase 2 treatment varies depending on each patient's individual needs and the extent of their orthodontic issues. Dr. Nguyen prefers to give patients as long of a break as possible between phases to allow for natural growth and development. On average, phase 2 treatment may start as early as age 12, but this can vary based on the patient's specific case. During your child's growth monitoring appointments, we will continue to assess their orthodontic needs and determine the best timing for phase 2 treatment. Rest assured that we will work closely with you and your child to ensure a thriving, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.