Gullotta Orthodontics: How You Can Benefit From Interceptive Orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontics involves treatment of unfavorable features in a developing occlusion. Such features are categorized as local factors, crowding and displacement of the mandible from the normal rest position (based on information from the Northern Ireland's Royal Victoria Hospital, within the School of Clinical Dentistry, Orthodontics Division).

Who Needs Interceptive Orthodontics?

By the time your kids are 7 years, they should have undergone an orthodontics assessment, according to the American Academy of Orthodontics. Treatment is usually in two phases. It takes advantage of normal growth to correct developmental occlusion problems.

Application of interceptive orthodontics can correct immediate problems and also future issues. This is why such treatment can potentially diagnose and treat malocclusions as soon as they are detected.

Cost Benefits Of Interceptive Orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontics can potentially reduce treatment costs, in place of expensive surgery. The following example provides a clear example of this.

Maxillary canine tooth is commonly treated through surgical exposure of the crown, as well as bracket bonding with or without having to replace the flap. This is followed by orthodontic alignment with fixed appliances.

The exposure is done under general anesthesia, by an oral surgeon in a theatre. On the other hand, fixed appliance work is done by an orthodontist instead of a general practitioner. Such procedures result in a high treatment cost.

Fortunately, interceptive orthodontic treatment offers a cheaper and effective alternative. A 1988 study by Ericson and Kurol revealed that simple extraction of the deciduous canine, led to spontaneous alignment in 91 percent of cases where there was a minor mal-position of the permanent canine. Furthermore, spontaneous alignment would be achieved in 64 percent of cases with a major mal-position. This usually occurs in children between the ages of 10 and13 years.

What Does The Treatment Involve?

The second phase of treatment begins after all permanent teeth are in place. When there's proper follow-up of the phases, the 2nd phase will tend to be shorter. This is because the major corrections take place during the initial interceptive orthodontics phase.

Several processes take place during the initial interceptive orthodontics phase. One is expansion of the upper jaws, which is done so as to eliminate a cross-bite. Another process involves expansion of one or even both jaws to allow enough space for overcrowded teeth. Other processes include: removal of specific milk teeth, in order to accommodate permanent teeth; maintenance of space for permanent teeth after premature loss of baby teeth; and reduction in the level of protrusion of upper incisors so as to reduce the risk of fractures as a result of trauma.

Which Problems Can Treatment Correct?

Interceptive orthodontics is used to correct problems related to skeletal development, as well as problems occurring as a direct result to oral habits. These oral habits include thumb sucking and use of a pacifier. Such habits affect mouth development. After three years of age, the results could be:

• Misaligned teeth start to grow out of position

• Reshaped jaw-bone, since it is naturally soft and pliable.

• Getting narrower dental arches

• Protruding front teeth that are susceptible to injury

• Extreme tongue thrust habits

• Open bites that would require extensive orthodontic treatment to straighten them

Some of development issues that require interceptive orthodontic treatment include: constricted palate which causes misalignment of back teeth (commonly called the cross-bite); crowding of teeth; and uneven development of upper and lower jaws.


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Dr. Nino Gullota can competently apply interceptive orthodontic treatment. He is a highly qualified medical professional. Visit Gullota Orthodontics for an orthodontic assessment. To get a full examination and advise based on your teeth problems visit http://www.gullottaorthodontics.com.au/braces-gold-coast/ for more information.