Early Interceptive Orthdontic Treatment
in Las Cruces, NM

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents bring their children for their first orthodontic screening by the age of 7. This may seem early, but there’s a reason for it: we know now that the most effective approach to orthodontics is to influence proper development of the jaw while it’s still growing, rather than waiting for problems to emerge and then correcting them later.

Just because your child is screened at the age of 7 does not necessarily mean that they will begin orthodontic treatment at this time. Your child’s early assessment helps our orthodontists decide the best time to start treatment, while also introducing them to our office. One of our orthontists will conduct an orthodontic evaluation during your child's appointment, assessing the bite, tooth alignment, and overall jaw development.

Our orthodontist will provide a diagnosis of your child's current orthodontic issues, as well as those that are likely to arise in the future, and recommend a treatment plan or regular follow-up schedule to monitor their development. Interceptive orthodontics, which includes space maintainers, palatal expanders, Invisalign First, and other orthodontic appliances, may be recommended. Ideally, these treatments either reduce the time needed in braces during adolescence or even eliminate the need for braces altogether.

Interceptive orthodontics influence the jaw's growth and development in order to prevent a number of orthodontic problems, including an improper bite, crowding, and misaligned or crowded teeth.

Since each patient is different, there is no universally accepted “best age” to begin treatment. Most patients don't start with interceptive orthodontics until they're between the ages of 9 and 14, but if one of our doctors identifies potential issues earlier, treatment may begin right away.

Another term for interceptive orthodontics or early orthodontics is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, with Phase 2 being braces.

Occasionally a primary (baby) tooth is extracted or falls out much earlier than it should. A space maintainer is used to preserve the newly opened space, preventing neighboring teeth from drifting into it. This allows room for the secondary (adult) tooth to erupt when it is ready.

Yes, palatal expanders are an effective treatment option that is used to treat overly narrow upper jaws.

Call 575-521-0900 to schedule your child’s first interceptive orthodontics appointment.