Serving Families in McLean VA & Washington DC for over 27 years
What Is Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?
Interceptive orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase I orthodontics, focuses on guiding proper jaw growth and tooth development during mixed dentition — when children have both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
Rather than waiting until all permanent teeth erupt, We provide interceptive orthodontic treatment during mixed dentition. This early treatment allows us to identify and correct developing bite problems before they become more complex. By intervening at the right time and using orthodontic appliances such as space maintainers, expanders to correct crossbites, and thumb-sucking habit-breaking devices, we can often minimize the need for extensive orthodontic treatment during the teen years.
​Interceptive orthodontic treatment during mixed dentition can significantly reduce the severity of future orthodontic problems. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, jaw growth patterns and emerging bite issues can be detected (before they worsen), even if braces are not yet needed.
Research shows that children who receive early orthodontic monitoring are more likely to:
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Reduce the risk of impacted teeth
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Decrease the likelihood of permanent tooth extractions
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Shorten overall orthodontic treatment time in adolescence
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Improve facial symmetry and jaw development
For example, Early expansion for correcting a crossbite (while the upper jaw is still growing), is significantly more effective before the mid-palatal suture begins to fuse in early adolescence, improving long-term stability and jaw development.​
Common Interceptive Orthodontic Appliances
​Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may include:
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Space Maintainers: Used when a baby tooth is lost early, space maintainers preserve room for the permanent tooth to erupt properly, preventing crowding and alignment issues.
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Palatal Expanders: Expanders gently widen the upper jaw to correct crossbites and create space for developing teeth. Early expansion can improve breathing patterns and jaw balance.
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Habit-Breaking Appliances: Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits that continue beyond early childhood can affect tooth alignment and jaw growth. Special appliances help children stop these habits safely and effectively.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
​Interceptive orthodontic treatment can:
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Guide proper jaw growth
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Improve bite alignment (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
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Create space for crowded teeth
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Reduce risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
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Support healthier speech development
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Potentially minimize the need for future extractions or jaw surgery
Early treatment does not always eliminate the need for braces later, but it often makes Phase II treatment simpler, shorter, and more predictable.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Visit
We carefully evaluate:
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Jaw growth and facial balance
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Tooth eruption patterns
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Bite alignment
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Oral habits
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Airway development
If treatment is recommended, we create a customized plan designed around your child’s growth stage and comfort.
Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment for Children in McLean VA & Washington DC
Beverly Pediatric Dentistry offers early orthodontic intervention at both of our convenient locations.
At Beverly Pediatric Dentistry, we provide comprehensive interceptive orthodontic treatment at both of our convenient locations. in a calm, child-friendly environment.
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Our McLean office is located at 1363 Beverly Road Suite 250, McLean, VA 22101—call us at 703-752-2200 to book your appointment on Mondays (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM) or Tuesdays (11:30 AM - 6:00 PM). We proudly serve families in McLean, Reston, Vienna, Arlington, Great Falls, Falls Church, and Tysons Corner.
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Our Washington DC office is at 1426 21st NW, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle area)—reach us at 202-331-3474 for appointments on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). We serve families throughout Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Kalorama Heights, West End, Logan Circle, and Woodley Park.
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If your child is around age 7 or you’ve noticed bite changes, crowding, or oral habits, we invite you to schedule an evaluation at our McLean or Washington, DC office. Early guidance today can lead to a healthier, more confident smile tomorrow
Contact Beverly Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about interceptive orthodontic treatment and how early intervention can help your child avoid complex orthodontic work in the future. Dr. M and our team are committed to guiding your child's dental development early for a healthy, beautiful smile! ​​​