Interceptive orthodontics: early assessment to correct problems before they worsen

Interceptive orthodontics is the approach that allows alterations in the development of the dentition and jaw to be identified and corrected during childhood, before they develop into more complex problems.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children undergo an initial orthodontic assessment by the age of 7.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, in Benavente, early assessment of occlusion and dental development forms part of the paediatric dental care programme.

When changes are detected, the interceptive treatment plan is defined on an individual basis and in collaboration with parents.

If you would like your child to be assessed by a dentist with orthodontic training, book an assessment appointment.

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Technology Supporting Interceptive Orthodontics

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, orthodontic assessment in children is supported by digital imaging examinations that allow evaluation of the development of the permanent teeth, the position of the jaws, and the presence of dental anomalies.

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Panoramic View with Orthopantomogram

The digital panoramic X-ray is the essential examination for orthodontic assessment in children. It allows visualisation of the entire dental arch, the developing teeth, the position of permanent teeth that have not yet erupted, and possible anomalies such as impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth, or congenitally missing teeth.

Detailed Assessment with Periapical Radiograph

Detailed Assessment with Periapical Radiograph

The digital periapical radiograph is used to assess the position and developmental status of specific teeth in detail. It is indicated when ectopic eruption, abnormal root resorption, or other localised changes are suspected.

Three-Dimensional Diagnosis with CBCT

Three-Dimensional Diagnosis with CBCT

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) may be indicated in more complex cases, such as impacted teeth, ectopic canines, or jaw developmental anomalies. It provides three-dimensional images that allow more precise planning of interceptive treatment.

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“Early assessment is the first step in avoiding longer and more complex treatments in the future. In interceptive orthodontics, the child's natural growth is our greatest ally, and intervening at the right moment can make all the difference to the development of the dentition.”

Dra. Daniela Cardozo

Dentist

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What is interceptive orthodontics and why is early assessment important?

What is interceptive orthodontics and why is early assessment important?

Interceptive orthodontics is the area of dentistry dedicated to the early identification and correction of developmental changes in the dentition and jaws in children.

Unlike conventional orthodontics, which is generally carried out during adolescence with the full permanent dentition, interceptive orthodontics acts during the mixed dentition phase (primary and permanent) to take advantage of the child's growth potential.

Scientific evidence demonstrates that certain malocclusions benefit from early intervention.

Posterior crossbites, Class III malocclusions, and lack of space for the eruption of permanent teeth are situations in which interceptive treatment can normalise growth and avoid more complex procedures during adolescence.

Early assessment, recommended from the age of 7, allows the dentist to identify harmful oral habits (such as thumb or dummy sucking beyond the age of 3), assess the symmetry of jaw development, detect impacted or ectopic teeth, and monitor the eruption of permanent teeth.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, interceptive orthodontics is integrated into the regular paediatric dental care programme, with straightforward treatments adapted to the child's age.

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What our patients say

The dentist detected my son's crossbite at the age of 6 and started treatment straight away. It was corrected within a few months, without a fixed brace.

Ricardo Silva

I took my daughter for an orthodontic assessment at the age of 7, as recommended. She didn't need any treatment, but we were reassured by the early diagnosis.

Helena Gomes

My son was sucking his thumb and it was already affecting his teeth. The team helped him break the habit and guided us on the next steps.

Paula Bernardo

4 steps for Interceptive Orthodontics

4 Steps to Your Child's Interceptive Orthodontics

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, interceptive orthodontics follows an assessment and treatment protocol adapted to the child's development.

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Clinical and radiographic assessment

The dentist carries out a clinical examination of the occlusion, jaw development and eruption of the permanent teeth. A panoramic X-ray (OPG) is requested to assess the full arch and identify any anomalies. In specific cases, a periapical X-ray or CBCT may be indicated.

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Diagnosis and treatment plan

Based on the clinical assessment and imaging examinations, the dentist draws up an individualised diagnosis. The treatment plan is presented to the parents, which may include monitoring, correction of oral habits or orthodontic intervention with simple appliances.

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Interceptive Intervention (When Indicated)

Treatment may include the use of removable appliances, palatal expanders, space maintainers, or other devices adapted to the child's age and clinical situation. The aim is to correct the abnormality while growth is still active, in a simple and effective manner.

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Growth Monitoring and Follow-up

After the intervention, the child is monitored regularly to check the stability of the result and to track the development of the dentition. The dentist adjusts the plan according to the needs of each stage of growth.

Everything you need to know about interceptive orthodontics

Everything you need to know about interceptive orthodontics

Dental occlusion (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together) develops throughout childhood and adolescence.

During this period, changes may arise that, if not identified and corrected in time, can result in malocclusions that are more difficult to treat in adulthood.

Interceptive orthodontics acts precisely within this window of opportunity.

Prolonged oral habits (such as thumb-sucking or dummy use beyond the age of 3) can lead to anterior open bite, crossbite, or incisor protrusion.

Breaking the habit and, when necessary, using a simple appliance can correct these changes effectively.

Posterior crossbites are among the situations that respond best to interceptive treatment. Jaw expansion during the growth phase normalises the relationship between the dental arches, and the results tend to remain stable over time.

The premature loss of primary teeth can result in the migration of adjacent teeth, a reduction in the space available for permanent teeth, and dental crowding.

The placement of space maintainers is a fundamental interceptive measure to preserve the alignment of the dental arch.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually. If you would like an orthodontic assessment for your child, book an appointment.

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Main problems treated with interceptive orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontics allows developmental changes in the dentition and jaws to be corrected during childhood. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually and treatment is adapted to the child's age. Find out about the most common situations.

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Posterior crossbite

Posterior crossbite

Posterior crossbite occurs when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth on one or both sides of the dental arch. If not corrected during childhood, it can cause facial growth asymmetry and abnormal tooth wear.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, crossbite is frequently treated with palatal expansion during the growth phase, with stable and long-lasting results.

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Harmful Oral Habits and Open Bite

Harmful Oral Habits and Open Bite

Thumb sucking, dummy use, or lip sucking beyond the age of three can lead to an anterior open bite, protrusion of the upper incisors, and changes in palate development. Early cessation of the habit is essential.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the team guides parents on strategies to break the habit and, where necessary, uses simple orthodontic appliances to correct any changes that have already occurred.

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Insufficient Space for Permanent Teeth

Insufficient Space for Permanent Teeth

A discrepancy between the available space in the dental arch and the size of the permanent teeth can result in dental crowding. Early assessment allows this situation to be identified and addressed with space maintainers or arch expansion.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, panoramic X-ray (OPG) allows the available space to be assessed and the intervention to be planned at the most appropriate time.

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Class III Malocclusion

Class III Malocclusion

Class III malocclusion occurs when the lower jaw is positioned forward relative to the upper jaw, which can affect the facial profile and the bite. Interceptive orthodontics treatment using maxillary protraction devices, when indicated during the growth phase, can correct the skeletal discrepancy and reduce the need for more complex treatments in the future.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, cephalometric and radiographic assessment complements the clinical diagnosis to define the most appropriate treatment plan.

Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, interceptive orthodontics is integrated into paediatric dental care, with digital imaging diagnostics and treatments adapted to the child's development.

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Book your appointment

If you would like your child to have an early orthodontic assessment, book an appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo and receive an individualised diagnosis of your child's dentition and occlusion development.

  • Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo

    R. Vasco da Gama 6,

    2130-197 Benavente, Portugal

  • Telephone: +351 263 516 773

    Mobile: +351 919 366 534

    geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt

Frequently asked questionsabout interceptive orthodontics

Clinical Rigour and International Standards

The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its paediatric dentistry practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), the World Health Organization — Oral Health, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD).

The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.

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