Did you know that up to 70% of children in the US will wear braces before adulthood? Perhaps you feel your child may need orthodontist treatment and you’re wondering what to expect. If your child tends to be a nervous patient, it can help to know exactly what the first orthodontist appointment might entail.
Don’t worry- you or your child have nothing to worry about. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting an orthodontist for the first time so you and your child can feel prepared.
At your first appointment, your orthodontist may show you around the office and introduce you to the staff to make you feel as comfortable as possible. You’ll be shown into the orthodontist’s room where your child will be asked to take a seat. Your orthodontist will begin an examination with the aim of determining whether your child needs treatment.
During the examination, your orthodontist will examine the positioning of your child’s teeth and will ask your child to bite down to see how the teeth align together. This will show any irregularities or malocclusions that need to be addressed. You can expect your orthodontist to take some pictures or x-rays that will identify any internal problems or jaw misalignments.
After the examination, your orthodontist will be able to explain if there are any problems and the best course of treatment. If you decide that braces, a retainer, or an expander are needed, your orthodontist will need to take an impression of your child’s teeth. At this point, your orthodontist will explain each step of your treatment plan.
This is the best time to ask any questions you may have about the treatment. Find out if you have different treatment options and choose whatever you feel is best for your child. Ask if your child needs any teeth removed and what problems the treatment will fix.
It’s also important to ask how much the treatment will cost and if your insurance will cover it all. This first appointment with your orthodontist can take up to two hours.
It’s normal for children to be anxious about their first orthodontist appointment. You can ease your child’s anxiety by answering his questions honestly and preparing him for what will happen. Talk to your child about what he can expect from the appointment.
Walk him through what will happen and how the orthodontist will ease his worries. It’s important to remind your child of why he’s going to the appointment and what he’ll get out of it. The benefits of orthodontist treatment can be lifelong.
Lastly, you may want to encourage your child by providing an incentive. For example, maybe your child will get a small treat after the appointment or perhaps you could go somewhere fun after the appointment, like the park or an ice cream shop. He may find the appointment easier to get through if there’s something to look forward to after it.
Once you agree upon the treatment for your child, you’ll need to schedule another appointment. At the second appointment, your orthodontist will tell you all about your child’s appliances. Your orthodontist will explain the importance of good oral hygiene and show you and your child how to care for the appliances.
From here onwards, your child will need regular appointments to check on the progress of your child’s teeth. You can expect to visit your orthodontist every six to ten weeks.
Your orthodontist will be happy to treat your child’s teeth when the needs arise. However, your child needs to learn good practices for oral hygiene. This will ensure you have a few visits to your orthodontist as possible.
Be sure your child is brushing his teeth twice a day, being careful to reach every tooth. Older children can also floss between meals for extra cleanliness. Try and avoid too much sugar in your child’s diet as sugar can cause plaque and decay.
This includes sugary drinks and even too much fruit. Although the natural sugars in fruit are much better than candy, too much natural sugar can also cause damage to teeth over the long term.
As a parent, you need an orthodontist you can rely on for your children. At Just 4 Kids Teeth, we provide quality orthodontic and preventative care. Our pediatric dental office provides appliances like braces, Invisalign, and specializes in special needs dentistry.
Your child’s teeth are vital for overall health. Along with good oral health, healthy and straight teeth provide your child with confidence and reduce the risk of future chronic conditions. Why don’t you and your child take a look at what your first visit would look like with the help of Winston the dog?
If you think your child could benefit from visiting an orthodontist, schedule your first orthodontist appointment with Just 4 Kids Teeth and get the welcome you deserve. When you need an orthodontist that puts your child at ease, there’s no better place. Our office in Henderson has a team of friendly and professional staff just waiting to make your first visit the best it can be.
No more intimidating visits to the dentist! Why not schedule your first appointment today and get a quote for your child’s braces?
