Early Interceptive Orthodontics in Springfield
Early Interceptive Orthodontics, also known as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is designed for children between the ages of 7 and 10, right when key facial and jaw development is taking place. At The Smile Spot in Springfield, MO, we use this critical time to identify and gently correct emerging concerns before they become complex problems.
This proactive approach can reduce or even eliminate the need for more invasive treatments in the teen years. Whether it's crowding, bite issues, or jaw growth discrepancies, addressing these early can lead to a healthier, more confident smile. And the best part? Treatment is comfortable, approachable, and tailored to your child’s unique needs.
The Benefits of Early Interceptive Orthodontics
Guides Proper Jaw Development
By identifying dental and skeletal concerns early, interceptive treatment helps direct jaw growth effectively. This can prevent more serious bite problems from developing and supports a healthier foundation for incoming adult teeth.
Reduces Future Treatment Time
Early intervention can make Phase 2 treatment, like braces in the teen years, shorter and less complicated. In some cases, it may even completely eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment.
Boosts Confidence During a Crucial Period
Addressing smile concerns early helps children feel more confident about their appearance during key social and developmental years. A healthy smile can also boost self-esteem both inside and outside the classroom.
Why Choose Early Interceptive Orthodontics at The Smile Spot?
At The Smile Spot, we make your child’s oral care journey as smooth as possible with compassion and expertise. Our early interceptive orthodontics program offers gentle, age-appropriate solutions that help guide jaw growth, make room for incoming permanent teeth, and reduce the chance of serious orthodontic issues later on.
With both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof at our Springfield office, you’ll enjoy the ease of working with a team who truly understands your child as they grow. And thanks to flexible payment plans and extended appointment hours, you never have to choose between affordability and top-tier care.
Did You Know?
Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, according to the AAO.
Treatments We Offer
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What to Expect
The Initial Consultation
Your child’s orthodontic journey begins with a warm, personalized consultation at The Smile Spot. Our team makes it a priority to create a low-stress, friendly environment so your child feels at ease. During the appointment, we’ll take digital X-rays, perform a gentle exam, and assess facial growth and tooth development. Everything is explained in easy-to-understand terms, for both parents and kids. If we spot something that might benefit from early treatment, we’ll walk you through the best options without pressure.
Personalized Treatment Planning
If early interceptive orthodontic treatment is recommended, we’ll custom-create a care plan to fit your child’s needs. Depending on the concern, this could include limited braces on a few teeth, space maintainers, or appliances that guide jaw growth. The focus is always on comfort and minimal disruption to your child’s daily routine. We keep visits short, friendly, and as fun as possible to ensure your little one feels confident about every step.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
After active treatment, your child will enter a supervised growth phase. We’ll continue monitoring their smile and jaw development with scheduled check-ins, ensuring permanent teeth emerge correctly. This phase is just as important, it gives us the chance to catch any changes early and make sure your child stays on track. No matter what, you can count on our team to offer support, guidance, and care throughout their dental development.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions from our patients