If your child has a problem that requires attention, your orthodontist may recommend interceptive treatment. Early intervention, which takes advantage of facial growth and tooth eruption, can lessen the severity of a problem, and it frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age less time consuming and less expensive. Interceptive treatment may be beneficial in: Avoiding fracture or loss of protruding teeth; Assuring that the jaws and teeth meet properly during chewing and swallowing ; Eliminating adverse habits such as thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting and lip habits ; Correcting early malalignment of teeth and jaws ; Enhancing proper speech development; Evaluating breathing problems that may adversely affect normal growth and jaw shape; Correcting cross bite, tooth grinding, tooth interference and lower jaw displacement; Coordinating treatment decisions with the family dentist and allowing for proper eruption of permanent teeth; Improving self-image