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We specialize in pediatric dental care- helping babies and children get the best start for their oral health.
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Interceptive orthodontics- also called early orthodontic treatment; involves using specialized appliances to guide the growth and development of your child's jaw and teeth during a critical window of development, typically between the ages of 6 and 10.
By addressing problems early, we can often prevent more serious orthodontic issues from developing later in life — reducing or even eliminating the need for extensive braces or surgery as a teenager or adult.
As a parent, keep an eye out for these early warning signs. If your child shows any of the following, schedule a consultation with us:
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing or snoring
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
• Thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond age 5
• Jaw shifting, clicking, or asymmetry
• Speech difficulties or a lisp
• Upper and lower teeth that don't meet properly
We offer a range of custom-fitted interceptive appliances tailored to your child's specific needs. Below are the two most common appliances we use:
When a baby tooth is lost too early — whether due to decay, trauma, or extraction — the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space, blocking the permanent tooth from erupting correctly. A space maintainer holds that space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.
• Custom-made from metal and precisely fitted to your child's mouth
• Small and unobtrusive — most children barely notice it after the first few days
• Removed once the permanent tooth begins to erupt naturally
Your child may feel mild discomfort for the first day or two after placement. This is completely normal. Within a few days, they will adjust and the appliance should feel natural.
A Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is an appliance that gently widens the upper jaw by gradually separating the mid-palatal suture — the growth plate in the roof of the mouth. This creates additional space for permanent teeth to erupt properly and helps correct bite problems before they become severe.
The expander is activated at home by a parent using a small key, following the schedule we provide.
Keeping the appliance clean is essential for your child's comfort and oral health:
• Brush the appliance — including all metal bars and the screw — every time you brush your child's teeth
• A Waterpik or water flosser is highly recommended for flushing out food particles
• Use the proxy brush provided to clean underneath the metal bars
• If brushing after a meal isn't possible, have your child swish water vigorously around their mouth to dislodge food
At first, eating may feel different and slightly difficult. Have your child take small bites and stick to soft foods for the first few days to a week. After that, most normal foods are fine — with some important exceptions.
• Hard foods — ice cubes, frozen candy bars, hard candy, nuts, raw carrots
• Sticky foods — chewing gum, taffy, caramels, gummy bears, fruit snacks
These foods can loosen or damage the appliance. If the appliance becomes loose or damaged, contact our office on the next business day.
As the expander does its work, your child will notice several changes. These are all completely normal:
Your child's speech may sound different — a slight lisp is common. This is temporary. The best way to adjust is to speak as much as possible. Encourage your child to read out loud, sing, or talk with friends and family.
Mild soreness is normal for the first few days after placement or activation. Children's Advil (ibuprofen) or Motrin every 6 hours can help. Encouraging chewing and talking actually speeds up adjustment — don't skip activations, as this prolongs soreness and can complicate treatment.
Your child may feel pressure or a tingling sensation in the mouth, tongue, cheeks, or even the nose. Their bite will feel slightly off as the palate widens. This is normal and temporary.
A space will open up between the two upper front teeth as the palate expands. This is actually a great sign — it means treatment is working! The gap will close naturally on its own within a short time after treatment is complete.
The expander is activated at home, twice per day, for 2 weeks. Each turn of the key opens the expansion screw by 0.25mm. If you miss a day, do double turns the next day.
1. Have your child lie comfortably on a bed, couch, or reclining chair. Use a reading light or phone flashlight to illuminate the inside of their mouth.
2. Locate the small hole at the front of the expander. Insert the special key (a wire attached to an acrylic handle) firmly into the hole.
3. Push the key steadily toward the back of your child's mouth. You will feel a slight resistance — this is normal.
4. When a new hole appears at the front of the expander, you have completed one full turn. Do not go further than one turn per activation.
5. Remove the key by gently pushing the handle downward toward the throat and slightly outward toward the tongue. Do NOT pull forward — this will back up the screw and undo the activation.
6. Confirm that the new hole is visible and positioned for the next activation.
Here is what to expect from start to finish:
1. Initial Consultation — We evaluate your child's teeth, jaw, and bite. X-rays may be taken to get a full picture.
2. Custom Appliance Fitting — We take impressions of your child's teeth to create a perfectly fitted appliance.
3. Placement Appointment — The appliance is placed and we walk you through all care and activation instructions.
4. Follow-Up Visits — Regular check-ins to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
5. Completion & Next Steps — The appliance is removed once treatment goals are met. We'll discuss any further recommended care.
• Specialized exclusively in pediatric and baby dental care
• Gentle, child-friendly approach that makes kids feel safe and comfortable
• We educate and support parents at every step of treatment
• Custom appliances designed specifically for growing smiles
• Convenient appointment scheduling for busy families
A: We recommend a first evaluation by age 7, or sooner if you notice any early warning signs such as difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, or prolonged thumb sucking. Early evaluations are often free of charge — ask our team.
A: Mild discomfort or soreness is normal for the first few days after placement or activation. This is temporary and manageable with children's ibuprofen. Most children adapt within a week and find the appliance easy to live with.
A: Treatment length varies depending on the appliance and the child's needs. RPE treatment typically involves 2 weeks of active expansion followed by a retention period. Space maintainers are worn until the permanent tooth erupts naturally. We will give you a clear timeline at your consultation.
A: Interceptive treatment significantly reduces the need for extensive orthodontic work later, but some children may still benefit from braces as teenagers. Early treatment often means shorter, less complex, and less expensive treatment later.
A: Yes, with a few precautions. Hard and sticky foods should be avoided to protect the appliance. Within the first week, soft foods are recommended. After that, most everyday foods are fine.
A: Yes! Most children adjust quickly and can participate in their normal activities. For contact sports, we recommend using a mouthguard. For wind instruments, there may be a brief adjustment period for speech and embouchure, but this resolves with practice.
A: Contact our office on the next business day if the appliance feels loose, broken, or uncomfortable. Do not try to fix it at home. Avoid hard and sticky foods in the meantime.
A: Many dental insurance plans provide partial or full coverage for interceptive orthodontic treatment. Our team will help you verify your benefits and understand your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Dr. Leslie Jacobs specializes in pediatric dentistry and has extensive experience for children. Our entire team is trained to work with kids and make them feel safe and comfortable.
We understand that every child is different. We take time to understand your child's specific needs and fears. Our goal is to provide high-quality dental care while creating positive experiences.
Your child's safety and comfort are our top priorities. We follow strict safety protocols and monitor children closely throughout their visit.
Don't let worry keep your child from getting the care they need. We're here to help make every visit comfortable and stress-free.
113 Rue Fontaine, Lafayette, LA 70508, United States
113 Rue Fontaine, Lafayette, LA 70508, United States
