Interceptive / Phase 1 Orthodontics

in Novi, MI

When most people think of orthodontic treatment, they picture teens or young adults wearing braces. But did you know that orthodontic concerns can be identified from a young age? At Aréte Orthodontics, we believe in a proactive approach to caring for young smiles. We are pleased to offer interceptive or phase 1 orthodontic treatment to guide proper oral development, minimizing the need for orthodontic treatment down the road. Contact our Novi office to get your child evaluated today!

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The Aréte Orthodontics Difference

Did you know that orthodontists undergo at least two extra years of training after dental school? While many general dentists offer orthodontic treatments, choosing a specialist to care for your smile will ensure you achieve the best possible results. At Aréte Orthodontics, we understand that each smile is unique, which is why we take the time to develop customized treatment plans to address your needs and goals. Trusting us with your smile will ensure you enjoy the highest level of professionalism, innovation, and orthodontic excellence in a warm and welcoming environment where you feel right at home. At Aréte Orthodontics, we don’t just straighten teeth—we craft beautiful smiles with precision and care.

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When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Screening?

The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends having your child’s smile evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7. At Aréte Orthodontics, we encourage parents to bring their children in for an evaluation during this stage, even if everything seems on track. Our orthodontist can predict how the permanent teeth will come in and whether your child needs intervention even before the baby teeth fall out.

Remember—if something seems “off,” don’t wait until your child is 7 to schedule an evaluation. The sooner a problem is corrected, the better the long-term outcomes for your child.

What Are the Benefits of Early Intervention for Children?

Interceptive orthodontics offers numerous benefits for young children, including the following:

Guiding Jaw Growth: Interceptive orthodontics helps guide proper jaw growth, which sets the stage for healthy, beautiful smiles into adulthood.
Delivering Better Results: Interceptive orthodontics occurs between the ages of 7 and 11 when the teeth, jaw, and gums are extremely malleable and responsive to treatment, ensuring quicker and better results.
Reducing the Need for Extractions: Early interventions can help the adult teeth come in the correct alignment, reducing the complexity of orthodontic treatments down the road.
Correcting Oral Habits: Treatments can address and correct oral habits that may cause or exacerbate orthodontic problems, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
Improving Speech: Interceptive orthodontics can help improve or even resolve some speech problems that develop due to incorrect teeth or jaw alignment.
Addressing Premature Baby Tooth Loss: Addressing premature baby tooth loss helps prevent the adjacent teeth from drifting toward the gap, which can lead to crooked adult teeth and problems with the bite.
Correcting Protruding Front Teeth: Early orthodontics can correct protruding front teeth, which can be susceptible to injury or trauma.
Improving Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which can reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Simplifying Future Treatment: Interceptive orthodontics can simplify or shorten the time required for future braces or clear aligner treatment.

What Can You Expect in Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Here are some of the phase 1 orthodontic treatments we offer for young children:

Space Maintainers: If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely due to tooth decay or injury, the neighboring teeth tend to drift toward the gap, interfering with the proper growth of the permanent teeth when they are ready to come in. A space maintainer is an orthodontic appliance that holds open the space left by a missing baby tooth, preserving the space the adult teeth need to come in.
Palatal Expanders: Palatal expanders help expand the palate or the roof of the mouth, creating more room in the upper dental arch. That helps correct a range of orthodontic concerns, from crossbite to overcrowding and mouth breathing.
Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance (MARA): MARA is a type of orthodontic appliance used in phase 1 orthodontics. It gently moves the lower jaw forward to address issues like underbites and jaw misalignment, delivering a more balanced facial appearance.
Limited Orthodontics: Braces in phase 1 orthodontics aren’t like the ones used for teens or young adults. These limited braces are ideal for children with a mix of baby and adult teeth and are placed only on the teeth that need correction.