Interceptive Treatment In London
At Freshdental in Bayswater, we offer interceptive orthodontic treatment to help guide your child’s teeth and jaw development during their important growth years. This early intervention, usually between ages 6 and 10, focuses on identifying specific dental or jaw concerns as they emerge—not on “fixing everything early.” By addressing issues at the right time, interceptive treatment can make any future orthodontic care simpler, quicker, or sometimes unnecessary. Our team provides clear, honest guidance for parents and ensures a calm, child-friendly experience from the very first appointment. We’re committed to helping your child achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
What is Interceptive Treatment?
Interceptive orthodontics is an early phase of treatment that focuses on correcting specific issues while a child’s mouth is still developing. This might involve gently expanding a narrow jaw, guiding erupting teeth into better positions, or breaking habits like thumb-sucking that could impact the bite. It’s all about helping growth go in the right direction.
The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) recommends that every child should have an orthodontic assessment by age 7. This helps identify whether interceptive treatment could make a meaningful difference to their long-term dental health.
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What to Expect with Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment
At Fresh Dental in Bayswater, we provide early orthodontic assessments and personalised treatment plans for children when needed. Interceptive treatment is designed to support healthy dental and jaw development during these crucial formative years, helping to set the foundation for a confident, lasting smile.
Initial Assessment
Your child’s first visit involves a detailed evaluation of their teeth, bite, and jaw growth. We assess whether early intervention could be beneficial or whether it would be more appropriate to wait until further development.
Personalised Treatment Planning
If interceptive treatment is recommended, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. This may include appliances such as expanders, space maintainers, or partial braces. In some cases, habit-breaking devices may also be suggested to address thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.
Active Treatment Phase
Treatment may begin soon after diagnosis or be scheduled for a later stage, depending on the child's dental development. The focus is on guiding growth and making room for adult teeth to emerge properly.
Ongoing Monitoring
After the initial treatment phase, your child will be monitored periodically. This helps determine whether additional orthodontic care is needed in adolescence, such as comprehensive braces or aligners.
What Problems Can It Address?
Interceptive care may be considered if your child has:
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Bite problems (like underbites, crossbites, or open bites)
- Jaw growth imbalances
- Habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting
- Speech or chewing difficulties linked to tooth or jaw position
These early signs don’t always require immediate treatment, but they do benefit from a specialist’s assessment.
How Long Does Interceptive Treatment Take?
The duration of interceptive orthodontic treatment depends on the individual needs of the child. In many cases, treatment may last between 6 months and 2 years, although this can vary depending on the child’s stage of dental development, the nature of the issue being addressed, and how the child responds to treatment.
At Freshdental in Bayswater, we take a measured approach to early orthodontic care. Treatment timing and decisions are based on clinical assessment, your child’s growth stage, and the goal of supporting healthy long-term development. During the consultation, our specialist orthodontist will provide an estimate of how long treatment is likely to take and keep you informed throughout the process.
Book a Consultation
If you’re thinking about early orthodontic care for your child, we’re here to help. Contact Freshdental in Bayswater, London, to arrange an initial consultation and discuss whether interceptive treatment may be suitable.
Why Consider Early Orthodontic Assessment?
Evaluating your child’s bite and jaw development early—while they’re still growing—can help identify and address issues before they become more complex.
Guides Healthy Jaw & Bite Development – Early orthodontic care may correct bite issues, influence jaw growth, and support better oral function, including speech and chewing.
Creates Space & Manages Habits – Appliances like expanders or space maintainers help make room for adult teeth, while early care can assist in stopping habits like thumb-sucking.
May Simplify Future Treatment – While not all early treatment eliminates the need for braces later, it can often reduce the extent, time, or complexity of future orthodontic care.
Frequently asked questions about early orthodontics at Freshdental
What is interceptive orthodontic treatment?
Interceptive orthodontic treatment is a form of early intervention aimed at addressing developing dental and jaw concerns in children, typically between the ages of 6 and 10. It supports healthy jaw growth, creates space for adult teeth, and may help reduce the need for more complex orthodontics later.
How do I know if my child needs interceptive treatment?
Signs that a child may benefit include early or delayed loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, unclear speech, or visible crowding. An orthodontist can assess your child’s dental development and advise if early intervention is suitable.
What types of appliances are used in interceptive treatment?
Depending on your child’s needs, interceptive treatment may involve expanders, space maintainers, partial braces, or functional appliances to influence jaw growth. In some cases, early aligner systems such as Invisalign First may also be considered.
How long does interceptive treatment last?
The duration varies, but most interceptive treatments last between 6 and 18 months. Some children may still require additional orthodontic treatment, such as braces, in their teenage years to fine-tune alignment.
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