Every smile has a story — and for many children, that story begins before all of their adult teeth have even grown in. At Taunton Orthodontics, we specialize in interceptive orthodontics in Whitby, ON, helping guide jaw growth, tooth alignment, and oral development at just the right time.
Interceptive orthodontics, also known as Phase 1 treatment, is proactive care designed to address issues early — often between the ages of 7 and 10 — before they become more complicated (and expensive) to correct later. For many children, early treatment can reduce or even eliminate the need for braces in their teen years.
At our Whitby office, Dr. David Shapiro and Dr. Emily Singer work together to evaluate your child’s bite, growth patterns, and development to ensure they’re on the path to a healthy, confident smile.
What Is Interceptive Orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics is a preventive approach to orthodontic care that begins before all adult teeth have erupted. The goal is to “intercept” developing issues like jaw misalignment, crowding, or bite problems while the child’s bones are still growing and easier to guide.
Rather than waiting until all permanent teeth are in, Phase 1 treatment focuses on early intervention to:
- Create space for incoming adult teeth
- Guide jaw growth to correct bite issues
- Prevent trauma to protruding front teeth
- Improve oral habits (like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting)
- Boost facial symmetry and overall development
At Taunton Orthodontics, we use gentle, personalized methods to make interceptive treatment comfortable, effective, and age-appropriate.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Care
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 — even if no problems are visible. At this stage, an orthodontist can assess how the teeth and jaws are developing and detect subtle issues parents or dentists may miss.
Your child may benefit from interceptive orthodontics if they show signs such as:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Mouth breathing
- Speech issues
- Thumb sucking beyond age 5
- Crowded or blocked-out teeth
- Crossbite, overbite, or underbite
- Misaligned jaw or facial asymmetry
Even if early treatment isn’t needed right away, regular check-ins with our team allow us to monitor growth and recommend care at the most effective time.
What Does Interceptive Treatment Involve?
Phase 1 treatment is customized based on your child’s unique needs. It may involve one or more of the following:
- Palatal expanders — To widen the upper jaw and make room for adult teeth
- Partial braces or space maintainers — To guide teeth into better positions
- Habit appliances — To help stop thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
- Growth modification devices — To encourage healthy jaw alignment
Treatment typically lasts 6 to 12 months, followed by a monitoring phase until all permanent teeth have erupted. At that point, Phase 2 (often full braces or Invisalign) may be recommended to finalize alignment — though some patients need little to no additional treatment.
Benefits of Interceptive Orthodontics
Early treatment offers many advantages for both your child’s smile and their long-term oral health. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Simplified future treatment — Reduces the complexity of future orthodontic work
- Shorter time in braces — May prevent the need for lengthy treatment in adolescence
- Improved jaw and bite function — Corrects imbalances while the bones are still growing
- Greater comfort and confidence — Helps kids breathe, speak, and eat with ease
- Less risk of trauma — Especially helpful for protruding front teeth
At Taunton Orthodontics, our goal is not to rush your child into braces — it’s to provide the right care at the right time for long-term health and confidence.
Cost of Interceptive Orthodontics in Whitby, ON
The cost of Phase 1 treatment varies depending on your child’s needs, the appliances used, and the length of treatment. At Taunton Orthodontics, we believe in transparent pricing and family-friendly payment options.
We offer:
- Free consultations and growth monitoring
- Customized treatment plans based on your child’s development
- Flexible monthly payment options
- Direct billing to most dental insurance providers
- HSA/FSA eligibility
We’re committed to making early orthodontic care in Whitby accessible and stress-free for families — so your child can get the care they need, when they need it most.
Why Choose Taunton Orthodontics?
As one of the most trusted orthodontic practices in Whitby and the Durham Region, Taunton Orthodontics is proud to be a leading provider of early intervention care. Dr. David Shapiro and Dr. Emily Singer have years of experience treating young patients with kindness, patience, and clinical precision.
Here’s why parents choose us for interceptive orthodontics:
- Two-doctor team — Dual oversight on every treatment plan
- Kid-friendly care — A warm, family-oriented environment that puts children at ease
- Modern technology — Digital scans, growth tracking, and non-invasive diagnostics
- Comprehensive monitoring — We guide your child’s smile through every stage of development
- Proven results — Durham Region’s Top Choice Orthodontic Clinic 8 years in a row
Book a free consultation today and give your child the advantage of early orthodontic care — because healthy smiles start with smart timing.