Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment

This treatment involves diagnosis and correction of orthodontic problems to achieve the final optimal result.

This type of treatment ideally occurs during a child’s younger, active growth years before skeletal problems are firmly set. This treatment is designed to guide and enhance your child’s own natural growth in order to correct the position of the jaws. A variety of orthodontic appliances provide “bone” correction (orthopedic therapy) to establish a normal skeletal foundation for future growth and eruption of permanent teeth.

Following the completion of interceptive treatment, your orthodontist will schedule periodic observation visits to monitor and guide the eruption of the remaining permanent teeth. Retainers may be used during this intermediate period to retain the accomplished results from interceptive orthodontic treatment or to help guide the permanent teeth into their proper position. Your child’s growth and dental development during this stabilization period will determine the ideal time to proceed into comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment

Treatment occurs after the eruption of most or all of the permanent teeth. Finishing alignment of the jaws and permanent teeth for proper function and optimal aesthetics is the goal of this treatment. The tooth movement and tooth straightening (orthodontic therapy) is accomplished with the use of braces. While perfect tooth alignment may not be absolutely necessary for sound oral function, orthodontic treatment can:

• Reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• Maintain proper oral function related to chewing, breathing and speech
• Decrease the trauma to severely protruding teeth
• Contribute to improved appearance and self-esteem
• Improve and correct skeletal deformities