What Should I Expect at My Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
Posted on February 11, 2022
If this is your first experience having a child in need of braces, you may feel intimidated or curious about what the first orthodontic visit will entail. Being prepared as a parent will give you peace of mind and help you support your little one from the start of his or her orthodontic journey. Here is what you should expect during your child’s first visit with the orthodontist.
Meeting the Team
Before anyone even opens your child’s mouth, you and your child will meet with staff members designated to assist you both during the orthodontic process. Being introduced to your care team will help build rapport and make your child feel more comfortable. A staff member will then escort you and your child to the examination room where your child will be seated in a comfy chair. Upon being seated, you will then meet with the orthodontist. Share your concerns and questions with your orthodontist. He or she will be eager to listen and help.
Assessing Your Child’s Teeth
After you have met with the team, your orthodontist will then perform a quick check of your child’s teeth. As the parent, you are absolutely allowed to be there during your child’s examination. The first visit should be a completely painless procedure, so don’t worry about your child experiencing any discomfort. The orthodontist will use a small mirror and overhead lights to examine your child’s teeth. Then, someone will take photos for documentation and assessment purposes. X-rays may also be taken in order to get an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing the Problem
By the end of the first visit, your orthodontist should have a good idea of whether or not your child has any orthodontic problems and how they should be corrected. He or she may also be able to give you a rough timeline for how long the treatment will take, what the cost might be, and whether or not they will need to extract teeth. You and your orthodontist will establish a game plan for your child, and a staff member will help you know what the next steps are.
If you are unsure of whether or not your child needs braces, the general recommendation is that all children should meet with an orthodontist sometime around (or before) their seventh birthday. Nevertheless, if your child is older than seven years, it is not too late to seek orthodontic care. Contact your orthodontist today to schedule an assessment so that you can get your child orthodontic care as soon as possible.
Is your child in need of orthodontic treatment? Click here to book a free consultation now with MI Smile Journey Orthodontics! Our team of experts are ready to help you achieve your smile goals.