Types of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontists can follow several different approaches to treat malocclusion and correct misaligned teeth:

Preventive orthodontic treatment

Preventive orthodontic treatment has as a goal to provide favorable conditions for the eruption of permanent teeth. In order to achieve this, preventive orthodontics may require the removal of a primary tooth that distracts the proper eruption of a permanent tooth, or the use of a space maintainer to hold the space of a primary tooth lost too early so that it is still available for the permanent tooth that will replace it when it erupts.

Interceptive orthodontic treatment

Interceptive orthodontic treatment also called Phase I treatment is performed in early age to prevent the development of more serious dental problems over time. The goal is to eliminate the cause of a developing problem or at least reduce the severity of the orthodontic problem, through growth modification. An example of interceptive orthodontic treatment is the use of a palate expander device to increase the size of a small jaw and provide adequate space for all the permanent teeth to erupt properly. Interceptive orthodontic treatment can significantly reduce the length of the comprehensive orthodontic required later.

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is focused in the correction of an existing orthodontic problem by restoring the correct occlusion (‘bite’) of the teeth by using fixed appliances (braces) to gradually move the teeth. Treatment of malocclusion can begin at any age, regardless of the type of dentition the patient has. It may start either with a primary dentition (5-6 years), a mixed dentition (7-12 years) or a permanent one. Treatment may consist of one or more phases, or to include other types of dental treatment (e.g. oral surgery), depending on the nature of the problem being corrected and the goals of treatment. Read more about the types of orthodontic appliances and the different types of braces.

Surgical orthodontic treatment

Surgical orthodontics treat jaw and tooth abnormalities that could not be treated by conventional orthodontic treatments. Jaw surgery (or orthognathic surgery) is needed in some difficult cases, especially in the treatment of adult patients when the jaw bones are fully developed. The problems that might require a jaw surgery are usually a protruding or recessed upper jaw or a protruding or recessed lower jaw. Surgical orthodontic procedures are performed by an oral surgeon in co-ordination with the treatment plan of the orthodontist.

Teeth extractions

In many cases there is insufficient space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit properly. One or more permanent teeth might have to be extracted to create enough space for the rest of the teeth. Until some decades ago, tooth extraction was the only solution for the treatment of teeth crowding problems. The modern orthodontic approach includes the use of expander devices to increase the size of the dental arch and minimize the need for teeth extractions.

Generally, there are two or three stages of orthodontic treatment. The corrective phase of an orthodontic treatment usually includes just the comprehensive stage of treatment. But several problems may be treated better and faster if an interceptive treatment stage precedes that. In this case it is what orthodontists call a two-phase treatment. After the corrective stage, orthodontists recommend a retention stage where the patient has to use a dental retainer to prevent the corrected teeth from drifting back to their old position.

The cost of orthodontic treatment can be significant and many patients may not afford it if they are not covered by their dental insurance. Learn how to choose a dental insurance plan that will provide the best dental treatment to you and your family.