Preventive and Interceptive Treatments
Tooth eruption, risk of space loss and oral habits are monitored during the growth period.
TRWhatsAppTREATMENTS
Children's
Orthodontics
(Early-Phase Treatments)
A child's growth and development period is the golden age when orthodontic problems can most easily be resolved without surgery. The right intervention at an early age prevents severe jaw disorders and complex wire treatments that could otherwise arise later.
WHAT IS IT?
What is Children's Orthodontics (Early-Phase Treatments)?
Because children's jawbones are still flexible and developing, guiding bone growth is remarkably easy. Early-phase orthodontic interventions (preventive and interceptive orthodontics) do more than just straighten teeth — they also positively affect facial symmetry, breathing quality and speech function.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
Where is it applied?
- Preventive and Interceptive Treatments: Space-maintainer applications to preserve room after early loss of baby teeth, and correction of functional problems such as mouth breathing or improper swallowing.
- Habit-Breaking Appliances: Special appliances that help children give up habits that distort jaw structure, such as thumb-sucking, pacifier use, nail-biting or lip-biting.
- Jaw Growth Guidance: Palatal expansion appliances for a narrow upper jaw; removable or fixed functional appliances to guide jaw bones in the right direction when the lower jaw is receded or protruding.
Jaw Growth Guidance
In suitable cases, jaw growth is guided with custom appliances that take advantage of growth potential.
A closer look at the
structure and approach.
These images are representative studies prepared to explain the anatomy and treatment approach; they do not show a personal treatment plan or result.
The preventive approach
A representative appliance study illustrating the preservation of available space after early tooth loss.
Guiding growth
A representative model illustrating the assessment of jaw development and the appliance approach.
SITUATIONS IT MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR
In which situations is it considered?
- When the lower jaw is protruding or excessively receded relative to the upper jaw
- In cases of upper jaw narrowness and the resulting crossbite (upper teeth sitting inside the lower teeth)
- To prevent space loss after early baby-tooth loss
- In chronic habits such as mouth breathing, snoring or thumb-sucking
PROCESS
How does the assessment proceed?
First Examination (The "Age 7" Rule)
A detailed clinical and radiological assessment is made around age 6–7, when permanent teeth begin to erupt.
Custom Appliance Design
A removable or fixed appliance suited to the child’s age and needs is prepared.
Active Follow-up Period
While the child uses the appliance regularly, the dentist monitors jaw development at monthly routines.
Second Phase (If Needed)
Once all permanent teeth are in, a short alignment phase (wires or clear aligners) is applied if still necessary.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The globally accepted standard is for children to be examined by an orthodontist before age 7, even if there is no apparent complaint.
Appliances can be made in colors and patterns that appeal to children. Children generally adapt fully to their appliance within 3–5 days.
Early treatment corrects the skeletal framework. It may eliminate the future need for wires altogether, or make any later treatment much shorter and simpler.
The right approach for you
is determined after an exam.
This content is for general informational purposes; it does not replace a personal diagnosis or treatment recommendation.