Interceptive Orthodontics in Valencia

At Clínica Dental Dr. Lluch, located in Valencia, we believe that prevention is the best tool to take care of children’s oral health. One of the most effective treatments at this stage is interceptive orthodontics, a specialty within pediatric orthodontics aimed at detecting and correcting early alterations in the growth and development of the jawbones and dental alignment. Thanks to interceptive orthodontics, it is possible to prevent more complex treatments in the future and promote proper chewing, breathing, and aesthetic function.

What is interceptive orthodontics?

Interceptive orthodontics is a type of orthodontic treatment applied during the mixed dentition phase, meaning when temporary (baby) teeth coexist with permanent ones. It is usually performed between the ages of 6 and 11, as this is the period when facial bones are still growing, allowing their development to be redirected more effectively and less invasively.

This treatment aims to correct early malocclusions, prevent the worsening of dental and bone problems, and facilitate harmonious tooth eruption. It acts before the formation of the permanent dentition is complete, hence its name: interceptive, because it intervenes before the problem becomes established.

When should the first orthodontic check-up be scheduled?

The Spanish Orthodontic Society (SEDO) and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommend the first orthodontic assessment at age 6. At this stage, the first permanent molars and central incisors have already erupted, allowing potential issues in maxillofacial and dental development to be detected.

Although not all children will require treatment at this age, this check-up is crucial to identify any signs of malocclusion and establish a personalized monitoring plan.

What are the benefits of interceptive orthodontics?

The benefits of interceptive orthodontics are multiple, both functionally and aesthetically. Among the most notable, we can highlight:

Guides and corrects the growth of the jaws.
Prevents or reduces the need for future tooth extractions.
Improves the child’s chewing and breathing function.
Corrects harmful habits such as mouth breathing, atypical swallowing, or thumb-sucking.
Promotes proper alignment of permanent teeth.
Enhances facial aesthetics and boosts the patient’s self-esteem from an early age.
Reduces the need for longer or more complex corrective orthodontic treatments during adolescence.

Indications for interceptive orthodontics

Not all children require interceptive treatment, which is why it is essential to have an orthodontic check-up starting at 6 years of age. There are certain signs that may indicate the need for this type of treatment:

Anterior or posterior crossbite.
Open bite (the front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed).
Reverse bite or mandibular prognathism.
Severe dental crowding from an early age.
Facial asymmetries or jaw deviations.
Lack of space for the eruption of permanent teeth.
Premature loss of baby teeth without space maintenance.
Persistent oral habits that affect dental development.

In any of these cases, interceptive orthodontics allows for early and effective intervention to guide dental development toward functional and aesthetic balance.

What types of appliances are used in interceptive orthodontics?

Depending on the issue to be corrected, the specialist may recommend different types of appliances. The most common in interceptive orthodontics are:

Functional appliances: used to guide mandibular or maxillary growth. They can be removable or fixed, and their purpose is to stimulate or restrain the growth of one of the jaws according to the case’s needs.
Palatal expanders: used to widen the upper jaw when there is a crossbite or lack of space. This is usually a fixed appliance that acts progressively.
Space maintainers: placed when a baby tooth is lost prematurely to prevent adjacent teeth from occupying its place and hindering the proper eruption of the permanent tooth.
Habit-breaking devices: appliances specifically designed to help eliminate harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

Each treatment is designed individually, taking into account the child’s age, type of alteration, and degree of bone development.

How long does interceptive orthodontic treatment last?

The duration of interceptive orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but generally ranges between 6 and 18 months. Once this phase is completed, in many cases, follow-up during the patient’s growth is necessary, and sometimes it is later complemented with corrective orthodontics during adolescence.

However, timely intervention significantly reduces the time, cost, and complexity of subsequent orthodontic treatment. Additionally, it allows the final results to be more stable and long-lasting.

Why perform interceptive orthodontics at Dr. Lluch Dental Clinic?

At Clínica Dental Dr. Lluch, we have a specialized pediatric orthodontics team that evaluates each child’s growth and development comprehensively. We conduct a personalized study using clinical records, X-rays, intraoral photographs, and digital scans to establish an accurate diagnosis and propose the most suitable treatment for each case.

Our preventive approach and experience in pediatric dentistry allow us to detect functional and skeletal alterations early, which could affect the child’s oral development. We strongly believe in the importance of early, attentive, and professional care to achieve a healthy and harmonious smile in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions about Interceptive Orthodontics

1. What is interceptive orthodontics and when is it recommended in Valencia?

Interceptive orthodontics is an early treatment that corrects dental and bone development issues in children. In Valencia, specialists recommend it between ages 6 and 11, when baby and permanent teeth coexist, to prevent more serious problems during adolescence.

2. What are the benefits of interceptive orthodontics for children in Valencia?

The main benefits of interceptive orthodontics in Valencia include improved facial growth, prevention of dental crowding, correction of harmful oral habits, and reduction of more complex treatments in the future.

3. At what age should the first interceptive orthodontic check-up be done in Valencia?

At Clínica Dental Dr. Lluch, we recommend the first interceptive orthodontic assessment in Valencia at age 6, when the first permanent molars and front teeth have erupted. This check-up allows potential developmental deviations to be detected early.

4. What types of appliances are used in interceptive orthodontics in Valencia?

In interceptive orthodontic treatments performed in Valencia, we use functional appliances, palatal expanders, space maintainers, and habit-breaking devices. The choice depends on the problem to be treated and the child’s stage of growth.

5. How long does an interceptive orthodontic treatment last in Valencia?

The duration of interceptive orthodontic treatment in Valencia varies depending on the case, but usually ranges between 6 and 18 months. Some patients may require follow-up until the complete eruption of permanent teeth.

6. How can I tell if my child needs interceptive orthodontics in Valencia?

Warning signs include crossbite, severe crowding, early loss of baby teeth, or habits like thumb-sucking. If you live in Valencia and notice any of these signs, it is recommended to have a check-up with a specialized orthodontist.

7. Where can I get pediatric interceptive orthodontic treatment in Valencia?

At Clínica Dental Dr. Lluch in Valencia, we specialize in pediatric interceptive orthodontics. We offer a personalized and preventive approach to ensure balanced oral development and a healthy smile from the early years of life.

Schedule your appointment for interceptive orthodontics in Valencia

If your child is between 6 and 11 years old and you suspect they may have a dental alignment or jaw development issue, we invite you to book a first consultation with our pediatric orthodontic specialists in Valencia. At Clínica Dental Dr. Lluch, we will advise you on the best time to intervene and design a personalized treatment aimed at improving their oral health in the long term.