While people may know when children, teens, and adults will need orthodontic treatment, they may not realize that children can benefit from interceptive orthodontic treatment. Also known as early orthodontic treatment, children may need interceptive treatment techniques to help set the groundwork for healthy teeth as they age. Interceptive orthodontic treatment involves helping prepare the child’s mouth for their permanent teeth with a variety of orthodontic treatment.
Interceptive orthodontic treatment is available at Dr. Gregory K. Shell in Granite Falls and the surrounding area. By taking early action to help a child achieve and maintain straight teeth, we can help promote a future of oral health. Orthodontic treatment can also help patients maintain a straight smile. We will customize the treatment to the needs of each patient.
Call us at 828-386-9811 to schedule an appointment and learn how interceptive orthodontic treatment can help your child.
If we begin orthodontic treatment at an early age, we can help ensure children have the chance for properly aligned teeth. During the initial appointment, we will evaluate the child’s orthodontic needs and determine what treatment the child may need. Even if the child does not need early orthodontic treatment, they may show signs of needing it in the future.
If a child needs early orthodontic treatment, we will determine the most effective treatment. With our services, we can help treat various conditions, including:
By taking early action, we can also prevent the teeth or jaw issue from continuing to get worse over time. Crooked teeth will only continue to get worse without professional treatment.
Alignment and oral health issues take time to treat and are not as easy to treat as some people may believe. With early orthodontic treatment, we can develop a treatment plan and map out what the child will need to adjust their teeth and benefit their oral health. The American Association of Orthodontists, AAO, explains that it is easier to treat some orthodontic problems as early as possible, instead of waiting.
During the initial appointment, we will review the patient’s current medical condition, medical history, allergies, and other pertinent factors. We will work with the parents of the child to address any concerns they have. X-rays may also be necessary to determine how the teeth are growing in. If we determine the child needs interceptive orthodontic treatment, then we will recommend a customized treatment plan. Several types of treatment options include:
Space Maintainers
A space maintainer helps to prevent the teeth from shifting or closing the space necessary for adult teeth to grow correctly. This device can be removable or attached to the roof of the child’s mouth.
Expander
An expander is a device that helps us gradually increase the space in the child’s mouth for their adult teeth to grow in the proper alignment. In some cases, a child will wear an expander before wearing braces.
Braces
Traditional metal braces are a standard and effective treatment option for straightening teeth. With braces, we can help to correct the alignment of a child’s teeth and get them on the path toward a lifetime of oral health. In general, a child will not wear braces until all of their adult teeth emerge.
To learn if interceptive orthodontic treatment is right for your child, call us at 828-386-9811 and schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Gregory K Shell is located at
4558 Hickory Blvd
Granite Falls, NC
28630
Will my child have to avoid eating certain foods during this treatment?
Yes. It is crucial for parents to ensure their child avoids hard or sticky foods like nuts, jawbreakers, taffy, jellybeans, and more. Children must also avoid eating popcorn, chips, pretzels, starburst, gummy candy, and more. We can go over a more detailed list during an appointment.
How long will the treatment take?
The length of time an orthodontic treatment needs will vary per patient. In general, a patient may need to wear braces anywhere from 18 to 36 months. If the child damages the device by eating certain restricted foods or through trauma, then the treatment may take longer.
If my child did not see an orthodontist and is 12-years-old, is it too late to seek treatment?
Not at all. We understand that some people may not seek orthodontic treatment for their children right away. However, it is crucial to seek an examination so we can treat any signs of orthodontic issues the child needs. If you believe your child may need straightening treatment, then visit our practice today.
If my child wears braces now, will they need to wear braces again in the future?
This will depend on the child’s teeth alignment, jaw, and how well they follow the treatment plan. In most cases, a child will wear a retainer after wearing braces that will help to keep the teeth in the proper position. If the child does not wear the retainer properly, then there is a chance of the teeth shifting back out of alignment.
What should I do if my child damages their braces?
Call us immediately. We will help you determine what to do, depending on the type of damage as soon as we are able. We can also go over possible actions during the initial appointment when we place the braces.