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Interceptive Orthodontics
Orthodontics for Younger Children

Interceptive orthodontics in Apple Valley is an early treatment phase for young children who have functional problems with their teeth and jaws. Call us to learn more!

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Interceptive Orthodontics in Apple Valley MN

What Is Interceptive Orthodontics?

Interceptive orthodontics is an early treatment phase for young children who have functional problems with their teeth and jaws. It is important to address these issues while they are still growing, because the problems can get worse over time without interceptive treatment, resulting in longer and more complex treatment. 

By age seven, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth called the "mixed dentition" phase. At this stage, we can identify a developing jaw or bite problem that would benefit from interceptive orthodontic treatment. Children who benefit from early orthodontic treatment are typically between 7-9 years of age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Interceptive orthodontics, also often referred to as “early orthodontic treatment,” is a proactive approach tofamily of three hugging | interceptive orthodontics apple valley mn addressing dental alignment and jaw issues in children. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which typically begins in the teen years, interceptive treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth and correcting problems as they develop. Interceptive orthodontics is generally recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 11, when their mouths are still growing and malocclusions (misalignments) are easier to correct. This early intervention can save time, money, and physical discomfort by preventing more severe orthodontic issues later in life,

What Issues Can Interceptive Orthodontics Treat?

Common issues addressed through interceptive orthodontics include overcrowding, bite irregularities, and crossbites. By starting these treatments early, orthodontists can make room for permanent teeth and improve dental alignment and smile aesthetics while reducing the need for more uncomfortable or invasive procedures.

Treatment options included within interceptive orthodontics include expanders, partial braces, or other appliances designed to adjust the jaw or teeth. A key benefit of interceptive orthodontics is its ability to set the stage for more effective treatment later, often reducing the treatment time needed for braces during adolescence.

Find Interceptive Orthodontics in Apple Valley, MN

If you’re in Apple Valley and want a top-notch dental and orthodontic team to ensure your kids’ proper dental alignment and development in their all-important formative years, contact Dr. Katie Nordeen and the caring and knowledgeable Carousel Pediatric Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

Space maintainers are part of interceptive orthodontics in Apple Valley, MN. Our space maintainerslarge family at fence outside | interceptive orthodontics apple valley mn are orthodontic devices that act as placeholders for adult teeth when baby teeth are lost too soon.

Baby teeth help guide adult teeth into the correct positions later. If your child loses their baby teeth prematurely, adult teeth may not erupt correctly, which can lead to orthodontic issues later on.

Consider why baby teeth are vital:

How Space Maintainers in Apple Valley Work

Space maintainers are small custom devices that fill empty sockets when a baby tooth is lost early. These devices are not uncomfortable for your child.

Besides space maintainers, we offer palatal expanders when the jaw is too small or narrow to accommodate adult teeth without overlapping. Your dentist will also evaluate your child for early or traditional orthodontic treatment, such as braces.

The goal of interceptive orthodontics is to limit the time your child spends in braces later or to eliminate the need for them.

Contact a Pediatric Dentist in Apple Valley, MN

If you’d like to schedule an orthodontic evaluation for your child or have questions, please call us today at (952) 715-6177.

Check out our current specials and ask a team member about our exclusive Carousel Membership Plan.

What Problems Do Interceptive Orthodontics Address?

Problems Dr. Katie looks for during an interceptive orthodontic evaluation at our Apple Valley dental office are bite issues, jaw growth problems, and alignment concerns, including:

3 year old with crossbite and open bite
3 year old with crossbite and open bite
  • Crowding
  • Excessive spacing
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite

Benefits of Early Orthodontics 

Interceptive orthodontics allows Dr. Katie to influence your child’s jaw growth and development, and get things "back on track." Interceptive orthodontics can also simplify the comprehensive, final phase of orthodontic treatment, which typically begins once all of the permanent teeth have come in. The main goals of interceptive orthodontics are to:

  • Guide jaw growth
  • Direct the emergence of permanent teeth
  • Minimize the risk of damage to protruding front teeth
  • Eliminate harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking
  • Address spacing or crowding issues

Examples of interceptive orthodontic appliances are upper jaw expanders, space maintainers, headgear, and sometimes limited braces. Some children can also benefit from the removal of baby teeth to make space in their jaw for permanent teeth.

Meet Our Doctor:

dr katie nordeen l dentist apple valley mn

Katie Nordeen DDS MS MSD
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist

Dr. Katie loves building lasting relationships with the wonderful families at Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. As one of only a handful of dual-trained specialists in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. Katie is proud to provide comprehensive dental and orthodontic care in one convenient location! 

In her free time, Dr. Katie enjoys reading, trying new local restaurants, and spending time with her husband, Dr. Kyle, and their children James, Teddy, and Colette. 

Education

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery - University of Minnesota
  • Master of Science in Dentistry - Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry ...

Featured Blog Posts - Interceptive Orthodontics

May 8, 2025

3 Types of Interceptive Orthodontics

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Interceptive orthodontics is an early intervention approach designed to guide proper dental and jaw development in children, usually before all their permanent teeth have erupted. The goal of interceptive orthodontics is to detect and address problems early and minimize or even eliminate the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment down the road.

Here are three common types of interceptive orthodontics used to create healthier, better-aligned smiles from the start.

1. Palatal Expanders

These appliances gently widen the upper jaw in children with narrow mouths. A palatal expander opens space in the jaw ...

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