Interceptive Orthodontics in North York Toronto, ON
Two-phase orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is an orthodontic approach that involves two separate stages of treatment to address orthodontic issues in growing children. Dr. Santana may recommend this method for children with significant dental or skeletal problems that can benefit from early intervention.
Two-phase treatment can address:
- Severe crowding or spacing issues
- Crossbites, underbites, or overbites
- Harmful oral habits (such as thumb sucking)
- Skeletal discrepancies
- Impacted or missing teeth
As a dental practice that treats children and adults, the Astra Dental team can start making observations and give suggestions while considering the individual needs of your child. At each routine dental checkup, we always evaluate risks and potential growth problems, including the need for interceptive orthodontic treatment.
What are the two phases of interceptive orthodontics?
The primary goal of the Phase One is to intercept and address specific orthodontic issues as they develop, while they are still growing. It can significantly improve the outcome and reduce the complexity of treatment in the second phase, if at all needed.
Phase Two is aimed to fine-tune the alignment of teeth and create an ideal bite. This phase begins after all permanent teeth have erupted, usually around ages 11-13.
What can interceptive orthodontics correct?
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Children: Children with certain orthodontic issues, such as a narrow palate, recessed lower jaw, or large tonsils, might be at higher risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea. Addressing these orthodontic issues, sometimes through interceptive orthodontics, can potentially help improve the airflow and reduce the risk of sleep-disordered breathing problems.
- Increased Complexity: Orthodontic problems tend to worsen over time. Delaying treatment can lead to increased complexity in correcting issues later on. For example, crowded teeth may become more severely misaligned, making it more challenging to create enough space for proper alignment.
- Jaw Growth Issues: Certain orthodontic problems involve irregularities in jaw growth. Delaying treatment can result in imbalanced jaw growth, leading to more severe bite problems and the need for more invasive treatments, such as jaw surgery, in the future.
- Speech and Chewing Difficulties: Malocclusions (misalignments of the teeth and/or jaws) can affect speech and chewing patterns. Delaying treatment might prolong these difficulties, affecting a child's speech development and ability to eat properly.
- Oral Hygiene Challenges: Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to clean effectively, making individuals more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Delaying orthodontic treatment can increase the risk of oral health problems.
- Self-Esteem Issues: Children with visible orthodontic problems might experience self-esteem issues due to their appearance. Addressing these problems earlier can improve a child's confidence and overall well-being.
- Impacted Permanent Teeth: Delaying treatment for certain issues, such as early loss of baby teeth or severe crowding, can lead to permanent teeth becoming impacted (unable to erupt properly). Impacted teeth often require surgical intervention to correct.
- Longer Treatment Duration: When orthodontic problems are not addressed in their early stages, comprehensive orthodontic treatment during adolescence or adulthood may take longer and be more complicated.
