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The Need for Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment

Maria Karubin • Apr 29, 2024

The Need for Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment


Orthodontist at Brinley Orthodontics expertly adjusting braces on a patient’s teeth, demonstrating precision and care.

What Is Interceptive Orthodontics?


Interceptive orthodontics, also known as early orthodontic treatment or two-phase orthodontic treatment, involves initiating orthodontic care while a child is still growing and has most of their primary teeth. The goal is to direct the child’s growth and development, fixing or preventing certain types of malocclusions (problems with the size, position, or spacing of teeth and jaws). By addressing issues early, we can make future treatment easier and more effective.

Orthodontist at Brinley Orthodontics expertly adjusting braces on a patient’s teeth, demonstrating precision and care.

Why Start Early?

  1. Assessing Development: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. By this age, most kids have their first permanent molars and incisors. An orthodontist can evaluate the developing teeth and jaws, providing valuable information about potential problems.
  2. Spotting Subtle Issues: Orthodontists are trained to spot subtle problems even in young children. Early check-ups allow us to identify issues that might become more serious over time if left untreated.
  3. Three Possible Outcomes:
  • No Treatment Needed: Sometimes no treatment is necessary immediately.
  • Future Treatment: In other cases, the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow.

Early Treatment: If there’s a problem that could worsen over time, early treatment aims to intercept it.

Benefits of Interceptive Orthodontics



  1. Alignment of Teeth and Jaw: Early treatment helps align teeth and guide jaw growth, setting the stage for a beautiful smile.
  2. Space for Adult Teeth: By creating adequate space, we ensure that permanent teeth come in straight.
  3. Prepared Jaw Growth: Orthodontic appliances can guide facial and jaw growth, optimizing overall development.
  4. Reduced Need for Tooth Extraction: Addressing issues early may reduce the need for extractions later.
  5. Shorter Time in Braces: When treatment starts early, the overall time spent in braces or aligners can be shorter.


Interceptive orthodontics is like planting seeds for a healthy smile. By addressing problems early, we can pave the way for a stunning grin that lasts a lifetime! 


Remember, each child is unique, so consult with an orthodontist to determine if your child would benefit from early treatment. 


01 Dec, 2023
Choosing an orthodontist in St. Louis? Experience the difference with Brinley Orthodontics, where local expertise meets community care.
By Dr. Brinley 24 Jan, 2023
As adults, it’s easy to perceive things today as we did when we were kids. But as the world continues to evolve and technology improves how we approach self-care, many of those old perceptions go away. ● We aren’t attached to the wall by a cord anymore when speaking on the phone. ● We don’t need to carry a book of CDs in our car to listen to music (also, what’s a CD?). ● We don’t need to go out to the driveway to get the newspaper. These changes have all been accepted and adopted seamlessly, but for some reason, we still see braces as an inconvenience. Why is that? Let’s Straighten Out the Myths Today, braces and aligners are not only comfortable and stylish, but can be invisible… and even removable . Brackets and aligners have come a long way in the last few decades. In fact, they’ve become so convenient that more and more adults are deciding to finally straighten their teeth, or revisit their alignment needs. Whether stainless steel braces, ceramic braces, or removable aligners, there is now a perfect solution for smiles of all ages. Let’s break down the three myths surrounding adult braces. 1. “They’re only for kids and teenagers.” You ar e never too old to get braces. Today, parents are walking out of their orthodontist’s office alongside their children with the confidence that orthodontic treatment will help a chieve the smile they’ve always wanted. But heads up, Mom: Your 12-year old will keep an eye on your taffy and popcorn intake, too. :-) Orthodontics can benefit people of all ages, growing up doesn’t have to count you out. S traight teeth are healthier teeth, as they’re easier to clean and in a more stable position within the bone. Find out what treatment options will work best for you and see the difference. 2. “They’re so painful.” Not anymore. Application, maintenance, and removal of braces or aligner attachments has never been more simple. Today’s more flexible material enables smoother and more gentle movement of your teeth. You or your child will never have to deal with the pain that came with old-school appliances. 3. “Braces are ugly.” It could be argued that braces were never ugly. They’ve always been as small and unintrusive as the latest technology would allow. But today, they’re either practically, or completely , invisible. Even the tradition al stainless steel braces are designed to be smaller, more durable, and extremely easy to keep clean. Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are typically used on the upper teeth so that they are less visible when smiling or talking. Most of the archwires used to align your teeth are available in white so they aren’t as noticeable as traditional metal wires. Clear and comfortable acrylic aligners are the real game-changers, though. They offer invisibility as well as the option to remove them when eating or brushing your teeth. 4. BONUS MYTH: “I can’t afford them.” All of the latest options in dental alignment are available to you at a comfortable price. We know that cavities in the wallet can be as troublesome as the ones in your mouth, so getting clear, esthetic, and lightweight braces with Brinley Orthodontics can happen with any insurance, and comes with 0% financing. That’s something to smile about. Your smile is one of the few things you use all day, every day. So smile now, pay the rest later. We offer today’s best options for getting braces at all ages, ones that bust all the old myths. With the help of cutting edge technology like Invisalign, Brinley Orthodontics can make braces disappear from your perfect smile. Stay smiling!
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