Orthodontics and Interceptive Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the specific discipline in Dentistry that governs all principles used in the diagnosis, prevention, correction and treatment of all issues relating to the arrangement, alignment and function of the teeth. The ideal bite is characterized by a number of factors, but most importantly the ideal occlusion occurs when the upper and lower teeth are positioned to function harmoniously with the opposing teeth. Discrepancies from the “ideal” bite may be either functional problems or aesthetic problems. Correction of functional discrepancies in the bite is considered to be a higher priority than discrepancies that are mostly aesthetic in nature.

Basically, orthodontics is the art of moving teeth into a better functional and/or aesthetic position in the mouth. This process may involve only a single tooth to be moved or it may involve complete braces on all upper and lower teeth. Tooth movement can occur using removable appliances or fixed appliances attached to the teeth. The number of teeth to be moved and the type of appliances used to gain an ideal bite can only be determined after records are taken and the dentist has formulated a treatment plan sequence.

 

Interceptive Orthodontics is defined as treating a developing problem in order to prevent it from getting worse. The goal of interceptive orthodontics is to affect growth patterns by creating more space if there is crowding of the teeth or by affecting jaw growth to create a better relationship of the upper and lower jaws. For interceptive orthodontics to be successful, a youngster must have growth potential remaining, typically ages 8 to 10. After all the primary (baby) teeth are lost and have been replaced by their permanent teeth, most of the jaw growth is completed and comprehensive orthodontics is indicated.

Comprehensive Orthodontics can be accomplished anytime after all the permanent teeth have erupted into the mouth. Ideal orthodontic results can be obtained by using either fixed braces attached to the front surfaces of the teeth or by using removable type appliances like Invisalign.

Orthodontics and Interceptive Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the specific discipline in Dentistry that governs all principles used in the diagnosis, prevention, correction and treatment of all issues relating to the arrangement, alignment and function of the teeth. The ideal bite is characterized by a number of factors, but most importantly the ideal occlusion occurs when the upper and lower teeth are positioned to function harmoniously with the opposing teeth. Discrepancies from the “ideal” bite may be either functional problems or aesthetic problems. Correction of functional discrepancies in the bite is considered to be a higher priority than discrepancies that are mostly aesthetic in nature.

Basically, orthodontics is the art of moving teeth into a better functional and/or aesthetic position in the mouth. This process may involve only a single tooth to be moved or it may involve complete braces on all upper and lower teeth. Tooth movement can occur using removable appliances or fixed appliances attached to the teeth. The number of teeth to be moved and the type of appliances used to gain an ideal bite can only be determined after records are taken and the dentist has formulated a treatment plan sequence.

 

Interceptive Orthodontics is defined as treating a developing problem in order to prevent it from getting worse. The goal of interceptive orthodontics is to affect growth patterns by creating more space if there is crowding of the teeth or by affecting jaw growth to create a better relationship of the upper and lower jaws. For interceptive orthodontics to be successful, a youngster must have growth potential remaining, typically ages 8 to 10. After all the primary (baby) teeth are lost and have been replaced by their permanent teeth, most of the jaw growth is completed and comprehensive orthodontics is indicated.

Comprehensive Orthodontics can be accomplished anytime after all the permanent teeth have erupted into the mouth. Ideal orthodontic results can be obtained by using either fixed braces attached to the front surfaces of the teeth or by using removable type appliances like Invisalign.