At McNeal Orthodontics, we provide early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive treatment, to help guide your child’s smile as they grow. Dr. McNeal, an orthodontist and dentofacial orthopedist with over 30 years of experience, takes a thoughtful, conservative approach to early care, only recommending early treatment when the timing is truly right.
By identifying concerns early, we can often guide jaw development, create space for incoming teeth, and reduce the need for more complex treatment later on. In many cases, early evaluations simply allow us to monitor growth and step in at the ideal time.
If your child is around 7 years old, we recommend scheduling a complimentary consultation with Dr. McNeal to better understand their development and plan for long-term success!
Interceptive orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding the growth and development of a child’s teeth and jaw. This type of care typically begins between ages 7 and 10, when there’s a mix of baby and permanent teeth.
Treatment may include specialized appliances or limited orthodontic intervention to address developing issues. Early care is designed to support proper teeth alignment and jaw development while your child is still growing.
Interceptive orthodontic care helps guide proper growth and development at the right time. By addressing concerns early, treatment can create space for permanent teeth, improve function, and reduce the need for more complex care later on.
Interceptive treatment allows Dr. McNeal to guide jaw growth while your child is still developing. This can help create proper alignment between the upper and lower jaws, improving function and reducing the likelihood of more complex issues later on.
By addressing problems early, treatment may simplify or shorten future orthodontic care. In some cases, it can reduce the need for more extensive procedures by creating the space and alignment needed for permanent teeth to come in properly.
Interceptive treatment can help correct bite issues such as crossbites, overbites, and underbites. Improving how the teeth fit together supports better chewing, speaking, and overall oral function as your child grows.
Addressing visible alignment or bite concerns early can help your child feel more confident as they grow. Interceptive treatment can create positive changes during important developmental years, both functionally and aesthetically.
At McNeal Orthodontics, every child’s treatment is tailored to their unique growth pattern. Dr. McNeal’s background in dentofacial orthopedics ensures a comprehensive approach that considers both teeth and facial development.
We recommend an initial evaluation around age 7, when kids’ teeth and jaws are still developing. At this stage, it is easier to identify and guide growth patterns that may lead to future concerns.
Your child may benefit from early evaluation if you notice:
Even if no immediate treatment is needed, early evaluations allow Dr. McNeal to monitor development over time and recommend care only when it is truly necessary.
At McNeal Orthodontics, we lean toward a “wait and watch” approach when it comes to interceptive treatment, stepping in only when the timing is right. When needed, we use gentle, effective options like braces and 3D printed holding appliances to guide healthy growth while avoiding unnecessary appliances or active treatments unless they’re truly required. This helps ensure your child gets the right care at the right time, without overdoing it.
Our primary focus is on closely watching your child’s growth over time to determine the best moment for treatment, if it’s needed at all. This careful approach helps avoid unnecessary procedures and ensures we act only when it will be most effective.
Using Dental Monitoring technology, we can check your child’s progress remotely with simple monthly scans from home. This allows us to track changes in real time, reduce in-office visits, and make timely decisions without interrupting your family’s routine.
In some cases, removing certain baby teeth at the right time can help guide permanent teeth into better positions. This can prevent future issues, like impacted teeth, and may reduce the need for more complex treatment later on.
These small, comfortable appliances help hold space for incoming adult teeth after baby teeth are lost. By keeping everything properly aligned as your child grows, they can help prevent crowding and reduce the need for more involved treatment down the road.
In specific cases, we may recommend a short phase of braces to address a developing issue early. This targeted approach focuses only on the area of concern, helping guide proper development without committing to full treatment too soon.
Expanders are used only in select cases where there is a true need for jaw development assistance, such as significant upper jaw narrowing. We reserve this option for when it’s truly necessary to support proper function and long-term oral health.
Interceptive care at McNeal Orthodontics is designed to be simple, supportive, and carefully timed around your child’s development. Not every child needs immediate treatment, and our goal is to guide growth and step in only when it will make the greatest impact.
Your child’s first visit includes a complimentary, in-depth evaluation using advanced 3D imaging. Dr. McNeal assesses growth patterns and identifies any developing concerns, providing clear guidance on whether treatment is needed now or if monitoring is the best next step.
If your child isn’t ready for treatment, we’ll monitor their development over time. This allows us to track growth and begin treatment at the ideal stage, rather than too early or too late. We typically start monitoring every 6 months and then may transition to monthly remote monitoring via the Dental Monitoring app.
If active treatment is recommended, a customized plan is created based on your child’s unique development. Every step is designed to support healthy growth and long-term success. During active treatment, progress is monitored closely, with adjustments made as needed to keep everything on track.
Families throughout Celina trust McNeal Orthodontics for thoughtful, personalized care that puts children first. Discover what makes our approach different.
The cost of interceptive treatment varies depending on your child’s specific needs and the type of care recommended. Our practice prioritizes transparency, so you’ll always have a clear understanding of costs before treatment begins.
In many cases, an early evaluation simply allows us to monitor your child’s growth and determine if or when treatment is needed, without committing to immediate care.
We accept all major insurance plans and offer flexible payment solutions through OrthoFi, so you can choose a plan that works comfortably for your family. With low initial payments and savings for pay-in-full options, we make it easier to get started.
At McNeal Orthodontics, interceptive treatment is about more than just straight teeth. It’s about guiding your child’s growth at the right time and giving you confidence in their long-term development.
With Dr. McNeal’s expertise in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, you can feel confident knowing your child will receive thoughtful, personalized care designed around their unique needs!
Schedule your complimentary consultation today to better understand your child’s development and the best path forward.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation around age 7. At this stage, Dr. McNeal can evaluate your child’s development and determine whether active treatment or monitoring is the best next step.
No, not every child requires interceptive treatment. Some may simply need monitoring until the right time for care. A professional evaluation with Dr. McNeal can help determine the best approach for your child’s unique development.
Treatment length varies depending on your child’s growth and development stage, but many Phase 1 treatments last between 9 and 12 months. Afterward, your child may enter a monitoring phase before any additional treatment is considered, allowing us to determine the ideal timing for future care if needed.
Yes, in most cases, children will still need future braces treatment, even if they received active interceptive treatment.
While some kids may experience pressure at first, modern orthodontic appliances are designed with comfort in mind. Dr. McNeal takes a gentle, personalized approach to ensure your child feels supported and comfortable throughout the process.
