Interceptive Treatment in Bend & Redmond
Early orthodontic guidance for healthy long term smiles.
Interceptive treatment is an early orthodontic approach designed to guide proper teeth and jaw development as your child grows. While Dr. Sullivan typically begins full orthodontic treatment after most adult teeth have erupted, usually around age 12, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation between ages 7 and 9. Early evaluations help identify growth concerns that may benefit from timely and conservative intervention.
Our Approach
At Sullivan Orthodontics, we take a thoughtful and minimally invasive approach to interceptive care. When early treatment is recommended, it may involve creating space for incoming adult teeth, improving jaw alignment, or addressing growth patterns that could lead to more complex issues later on. By guiding development while your child’s bones are still growing, we can often prevent the need for more extensive treatment in the future.
Growth & Guidance
For children who do not require immediate treatment, we offer our complimentary Growth and Guidance program. This program includes annual checkups at our Bend or Redmond office to monitor your child’s dental and facial development. Regular monitoring ensures that treatment begins at the ideal time, and when the time is right, we’ll discuss personalized options such as braces or clear aligners to give your child their healthiest, most confident smile. Families across Central Oregon value this proactive and supportive approach.
Benefits
Interceptive Treatment
Proper Jaw & Teeth Development
Early guidance helps prevent more complex orthodontic issues later in adolescence.
Proficient Preventative Care
Timely intervention often reduces the need for invasive future procedures.
Supports Long Term Oral Health
Correcting growth concerns early encourages better function, hygiene, and overall dental health.
How do I know if my child may need interceptive treatment?
Your child may benefit from an early orthodontic evaluation if you notice any of the following:
- Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
- Crowded or Misaligned Teeth
- Crossbite, Overbite, or Underbite
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting
- Breathing Through the Mouth
- Speech Difficulties
- Prolonged Thumb-Sucking or Pacifier Use
- Misaligned or Impacted Permanent Teeth
- Jaw Shifting or Uneven Growth
- Family History of Orthodontic Issues
- Habitual Teeth Grinding
- Difficulty Closing Lips Comfortably
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child may need an early orthodontic evaluation if you notice crowding, crossbite, underbite, overbite, mouth breathing, speech concerns, difficulty chewing, early or late loss of baby teeth, thumb-sucking habits, or jaw shifting. Sullivan Orthodontics evaluates children in Bend and Redmond to determine whether early treatment is needed or if monitoring is the better choice.
At Sullivan Orthodontics, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists and their recommendation that children receive an orthodontic evaluation between ages 7 and 9. This does not mean every child needs braces right away. It allows Dr. Sullivan to monitor growth, identify potential issues early, and recommend treatment only when it is truly needed.
Not always. Many children do not need immediate treatment. If your child is not ready for braces or Phase 1 treatment, we may recommend monitoring through the complimentary Growth and Guidance program, with annual checkups at the Bend or Redmond office.
Phase 1 orthodontics otherwise known as Interceptive Orthodontics may help guide jaw growth, create space for adult teeth, improve bite alignment, and address growth patterns that could become more complex later. The goal is not to rush into braces. The goal is to guide development at the right time when early orthodontic care can make future treatment simpler or more predictable.
If your child’s teeth and jaws are still developing but do not require immediate intervention, monitoring may be the best path. Our team at Sullivan Orthodontics can track growth over time and recommend braces, clear aligners, or other care only when the timing is right.
The cost depends on whether your child needs treatment now, what type of appliance or braces are recommended, and how complex the case is. After your child’s evaluation, our team will explain the recommended plan, expected timeline, and payment options before treatment begins.
You can schedule an early orthodontic evaluation at Sullivan Orthodontics in Bend or Redmond. The team serves families throughout Central Oregon and helps parents understand whether their child needs treatment now, later, or simply growth monitoring.
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation in Bend or Redmond Today.
Early evaluations help your child grow into a healthy, confident smile. Whether your child needs immediate treatment or simply monitoring, our team is here to provide experienced, supportive care.