Interceptive Orthodontics for Children
Helping young smiles grow the healthy way
At Parklands Dental Care, our aim is always to provide a high quality, thorough and personal service in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
As part of our preventive approach to dental health, Dr Lorna Ward offers interceptive orthodontics for children — gentle early treatment that guides the way the teeth and jaws develop.
What is interceptive orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics is an early form of orthodontic care carried out while a child is still growing and has a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth.
By assessing development at the right time, we can:
- Create space for adult teeth as they come through
- Guide jaw growth
- Improve the way the teeth bite together
- Reduce the risk of crowding and more complex problems later on
In many cases this means future orthodontic treatment can be simpler, shorter — or sometimes avoided altogether.
A preventive, minimally invasive approach
We believe in working with your child’s natural growth and focusing on prevention wherever possible.
Early orthodontic care can:
- Identify concerns at an early stage
- Monitor growth and development carefully
- Recommend treatment only when it is beneficial
In many cases this means future orthodontic treatment can be simpler, shorter — or sometimes avoided altogether.
How interceptive orthodontics can help your child
Early orthodontic care can:
- Improve the position of developing teeth
- Reduce the likelihood of extractions in the future
- Help adult teeth come through in better alignment
- Support balanced facial and jaw development
- Make future brace treatment easier and shorter
- Build confidence in their smile at an important stage of life
For some children, reassurance and regular reviews are all that is needed.
When should my child be seen?
The ideal time for an orthodontic assessment is when your child has a mixture of milk teeth and adult teeth.
At this stage we are able to see how the smile is developing and identify whether any gentle guidance would be beneficial.
This does not mean treatment is always needed — in many cases we simply continue to monitor growth as part of your child’s routine dental care.
A positive experience for every child
We take time to make every visit relaxed, friendly and unhurried.
Dr Lorna Ward will always:
- Explain everything clearly to you and your child
- Involve you in every decision
- Tailor care to your child’s individual needs
Our goal is for children to feel confident, comfortable and proud of their smile.
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
Does every child need interceptive orthodontics?
No. Many children simply need monitoring as they grow. Treatment is only recommended if it will make a real long-term difference to their dental health.
When is the best time for an assessment?
When your child has a mix of milk teeth and adult teeth, we can begin to assess how the smile and jaws are developing and give you the most helpful advice.
Will my child still need braces later on?
Early treatment often makes future orthodontics much simpler and shorter. In some cases, it can reduce the need for fixed braces altogether.
Is the treatment uncomfortable?
Interceptive appliances are designed to be gentle and well tolerated. We will always make sure your child feels comfortable and confident throughout.
How long does treatment take?
This varies depending on your child’s stage of development and the type of guidance needed. We will always discuss this with you in advance.
Do you offer payment options?
We will be happy to discuss fees and any available options with you before treatment begins.
How much does interceptive orthodontics cost?
Prices from £2500.
Find out more
If you would like to know whether interceptive orthodontics could benefit your child, our friendly team will be delighted to help.
Arrange an appointment with Dr Lorna Ward today and let us support your child in developing a healthy, confident smile. An initial consultation is £79 and if we think the child is suitable and we do a full assessment, xrays are an additional £125.
