Interceptive orthodontics:
guiding little smiles early
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, plays a vital role in identifying and correcting bite and jaw issues before they develop into more complex problems. By gently guiding the growth of a child’s jaws and teeth, interceptive treatment can prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic work in the teen years. Improve sleep quality of the child, airway issues, and the overall health and cognitive abilities
Why start early?
Between the ages of 6 and 10, a child’s jaw is still growing and can be gently guided into the correct shape or size. Common concerns addressed at this stage include:
• A narrow upper jaw (maxillary constriction)
• Crossbites
• Crowding of permanent teeth
• Mouth breathing and low tongue posture
• Open bites or other developing bite problems
One of the most effective early interventions involves palatal expanders — devices designed to widen the upper jaw to make room for proper tooth eruption and improve overall facial growth patterns.
• A narrow upper jaw (maxillary constriction)
• Crossbites
• Crowding of permanent teeth
• Mouth breathing and low tongue posture
• Open bites or other developing bite problems
One of the most effective early interventions involves palatal expanders — devices designed to widen the upper jaw to make room for proper tooth eruption and improve overall facial growth patterns.
Fixed palatal expander
A fixed expander is attached to the upper molars with bands and includes a small screw in the center. Parents or caregivers activate the screw with a key, usually once a day. This gradually pushes the two halves of the upper jaw apart, encouraging new bone growth in the mid-palatal suture.
Benefits:
• Very effective in widening the palate
• Minimal compliance needed from the child
• Can improve breathing and support better facial symmetry
Ideal for: Moderate to severe constriction of the upper jaw, especially when combined with mouth breathing or crossbites.
Benefits:
• Very effective in widening the palate
• Minimal compliance needed from the child
• Can improve breathing and support better facial symmetry
Ideal for: Moderate to severe constriction of the upper jaw, especially when combined with mouth breathing or crossbites.
Removable palatal expander
This is a custom-made appliance that fits snugly in the upper arch and can be taken out for cleaning or eating (in some cases). It also includes an activation screw that the parent adjusts periodically.
Benefits:
• Easier cleaning and comfort
• Less invasive
• Useful for mild to moderate expansion needs
Challenges: Requires excellent patient compliance — the appliance must be worn as prescribed (usually 14–16 hours per day).
Benefits:
• Easier cleaning and comfort
• Less invasive
• Useful for mild to moderate expansion needs
Challenges: Requires excellent patient compliance — the appliance must be worn as prescribed (usually 14–16 hours per day).
Invisalign® palatal expanders
The most recent innovation in interceptive orthodontics, Invisalign® Palatal Expanders, uses a removable clear plastic device powered by advanced 3D planning technology. These are part of the Invisalign First system and are suitable for growing children.
Benefits:
• Gentle, comfortable, and esthetic — no metal or wires
• Allows for simultaneous expansion and alignment
• Digital precision and predictability
• Easy to clean and maintain oral hygiene
Ideal for children with esthetic concerns or sensory sensitivitiesIdeal for: Mild to moderate arch expansion in early mixed dentition, especially for children who may not tolerate traditional appliances.
Benefits:
• Gentle, comfortable, and esthetic — no metal or wires
• Allows for simultaneous expansion and alignment
• Digital precision and predictability
• Easy to clean and maintain oral hygiene
Ideal for children with esthetic concerns or sensory sensitivitiesIdeal for: Mild to moderate arch expansion in early mixed dentition, especially for children who may not tolerate traditional appliances.
3 qualified doctors
At JuniorDental, our friendly, award winning pediatric dental team will ensure you and your child are well looked after
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Dr. Rafif Tayara
Co-founder & pediatric dentist
Ac ultrices ultricies convallis etiam cursus varius. Vel sed volutpat et ipsum ac semper. Scelerisque interdum auctor et quam viverra id leo non. Aliquam pulvinar enim mi et vulputate massa eu sed amet lorem dolor.
Dr. Micheline Katramiz
Pediatric dentist
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Dr. Hiba Ansari
Pediatric dentist
Dr Rafif Tayara
Co-Founder & Pediatric dentis
Dr. Rafif Tayara the co-founder of JuniorDental. She's an award-winning pediatric dentist, an international speaker, a book author and a mum of three, with 16 years of experience in the field of Pediatric Dentistry and Early Orthodontics. She has practiced in both private clinics and hospital-based settings in North America, the Middle East, and GCC countries. Her recently published book aims to prepare preschool-aged children for their first dental visit, with a focus on preventing early childhood caries and eliminating dental phobia.
She offers functional and integrative oral health care and early corrective orthodontics with a focus on whole-body health and well-being of babies and children.
Dr. Tayara specializes in seeing children as young as one for their first dental visit, early prevention of oral childhood caries, and early correction of facial growth and malocclusions in children. She is also highly skilled in treating and managing special needs children and has played a significant role in raising oral health awareness in the Middle East and GCC region through various media channels and events. Dr. Tayara has been featured in several prominent media outlets and can be followed on social media for her day-to-day stories with patients.
You can find her on Instagram @doctortayara.
She offers functional and integrative oral health care and early corrective orthodontics with a focus on whole-body health and well-being of babies and children.
Dr. Tayara specializes in seeing children as young as one for their first dental visit, early prevention of oral childhood caries, and early correction of facial growth and malocclusions in children. She is also highly skilled in treating and managing special needs children and has played a significant role in raising oral health awareness in the Middle East and GCC region through various media channels and events. Dr. Tayara has been featured in several prominent media outlets and can be followed on social media for her day-to-day stories with patients.
You can find her on Instagram @doctortayara.
Dr. Micheline Katramiz
Pediatric dentist & Invisalign First provider
Meet Dr. Micheline Katramiz, our Specialist Pediatric Dentist at Junior Dental!
Dr. Micheline brings warmth, expertise, and a deep passion for children’s oral health. As a mom of two herself, she understands how to make every child feel safe, heard, and comfortable at the dentist.
She specializes in a full range of pediatric dental treatments including crowns, fillings, pulp therapy, laughing gaz, and general anesthesia (GA) for more complex cases. She is also a certified Invisalign First provider, offering early orthodontic solutions for growing smiles.
Dr. Micheline brings warmth, expertise, and a deep passion for children’s oral health. As a mom of two herself, she understands how to make every child feel safe, heard, and comfortable at the dentist.
She specializes in a full range of pediatric dental treatments including crowns, fillings, pulp therapy, laughing gaz, and general anesthesia (GA) for more complex cases. She is also a certified Invisalign First provider, offering early orthodontic solutions for growing smiles.
Dr. Hiba Ansari
Pediatric Dentist
With over a decade of dedicated experience in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Hiba Ansari is a trusted name in children's dental care. Having practiced across India, Kuwait, and Dubai, she brings a global perspective and compassionate approach to treating young patients—tailoring every visit to be a positive, safe, and reassuring experience for both children and their parents.
Dr. Ansari has built her career exclusively around children's oral health. She is also a respected speaker at dental conferences and educational platforms, sharing her expertise with fellow professionals worldwide.
Dr. Ansari is deeply committed to delivering high-quality dental care with empathy, patience, and a preventive mindset. She believes in partnering with parents to build a foundation of lifelong oral health for every child.
Dr. Ansari has built her career exclusively around children's oral health. She is also a respected speaker at dental conferences and educational platforms, sharing her expertise with fellow professionals worldwide.
Dr. Ansari is deeply committed to delivering high-quality dental care with empathy, patience, and a preventive mindset. She believes in partnering with parents to build a foundation of lifelong oral health for every child.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most common questions asked by parents regarding their child's oral health
When should my child have their first dental visit?
How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
When should I start brushing my child’s teeth, and how much toothpaste should I use?
Does my child need dental X-rays, and are they safe?
Will my child need braces?
