The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that all children should receive orthodontic assessment no later than the age of seven. Interceptive orthodontics is the assessment of the alignment of a patient’s jaw and teeth. This misalignment is called a malocclusion. Dr. Ashley Covington and Dr. Perry DuRant at Lowcountry Family Dentistry can step in, diagnose a malocclusion, and treat it in the most effective way for your child. The interceptive part of our work means that we treat your child in phases as their teeth become more permanent and mature. The treatment is designed to grow with your child’s teeth to ensure they grow in properly. When children are treated earlier in age with interceptive orthodontics, our Beaufort, SC dentists can take advantage of their growth because their young teeth tend to be more receptive to the treatment and ultimately provide more effective results.

Does My Child Need Early Orthodontics?

There could be a number of reasons your child may need interceptive orthodontic treatment from problems in skeletal development or issues that have come from poor oral habits. It is important to remember, though, that if your child needs interceptive orthodontics, it will happen in phases over a duration of time. One treatment will simply be an individual phase of the treatment. Interceptive orthodontics does not require the removal of permanent teeth and instead is meant to work around the permanent teeth as they grow in. With the prolonged treatment and multiple phases, we try to be the least intrusive of your child’s oral health and comfort.

Some common malocclusions in children include:

  • Uneven bite
  • Open bite
  • Teeth crowding
  • Crossbite
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Protruding front teeth

Early Orthodontic Treatments

We provide a variety of pediatric treatments dependent and tailored to your child’s needs. We strive to brighten and widen the smile on your child’s face as they continue to grow. But the purpose of interceptive orthodontics isn’t aesthetic, but more so to improve the function and quality of your child’s oral health, improving the strength and alignment of your child’s bite. Dr. Ashley Covington or Dr. Perry DuRant will walk you through the whole process and the best options for your child. Our relationship with your family will grow with your children’s teeth, and we’re happy to help the entire way.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’re concerned about the alignment and strength of your child’s teeth, call 843-986-0177 or contact us online to schedule an assessment and learn about our treatment options. Our Lady’s Island, SC dentist office welcomes new patients and offers personalized pediatric dental care for your children in a comfortable environment.