We understand that taking your child to the orthodontist for their first consultation can be a bit of a daunting experience; after all, many parents don’t know what to expect or how to prepare their child for orthodontic care. That’s why at Pines Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we go out of our way to provide a streamlined process where your questions are answered, your child’s needs are met, and the whole experience is comfortable for everyone. No complexities, no worries, and absolutely no surprises!
Below, we will tell you everything you need to know about this appointment, why it’s important, and how you can best prepare your child for the visit. Call our Pembroke Pines, FL office to schedule!
Every Smile Journey Starts With An Initial Consultation!
When you bring your child to our practice to start their orthodontic journey, our orthodontists will perform a complementary comprehensive assessment to determine if your child needs braces or any other type of orthodontic treatment.
The examination typically involves taking x-rays, photographs, and impressions of your child’s teeth. We will also assess your child’s overall growth and jaw development and review their past medical history. This information helps us create a customized treatment plan for your child’s unique needs.
If we determine that your child needs braces or is a suitable candidate for other types of orthodontic treatment, we will explain the various options available, as well as the details and cost of each. Insurance coverage, payment plans, and financing solutions will also be discussed.
The appointment is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the orthodontic process, and gain greater insight into what to expect during and after treatment.
Common Signs That Your Child May Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment
It’s important to be aware of any potential warning signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment. These can include:
- Crowded teeth
- Misaligned bite
- Protruding teeth
- Difficulty chewing and/or speaking
- Jaw pain or frequent headaches
- Grinding their teeth
If your child is exhibiting any of these signs, contact us to book an appointment, so we can assess your child’s smile alignment.
Preparing Your Child For Their First Orthodontic Appointment
We recommend that you schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation at or around the age of seven. At this age, children should be in the process of losing their primary teeth with their permanent teeth beginning to emerge. This is an ideal time for an orthodontist to evaluate their development, identify any existing orthodontic concerns, or intervene on issues that may arise in the future.
To help your child feel comfortable and relaxed when they come in for their appointment, we recommend the following:
- Set a positive tone ahead of the appointment and discuss what to expect.
- Reassure your child that our orthodontists are friendly and knowledgeable professionals who will make sure to provide a comfortable and stress-free experience.
- Provide plenty of encouragement to help your child stay calm during the appointment.
- Explain how important orthodontic treatment is as it helps create a healthy, beautiful smile.
The Benefits Of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment can provide numerous benefits to your child, including improvements in their overall oral health. By correcting orthodontic issues, your child can better clean and maintain their teeth and gums, which helps reduce the risk of decay and gum disease.
Additionally, orthodontic treatment can improve your child’s bite, which makes it easier for them to chew and speak correctly. Properly aligned teeth also lead to a more confident and beautiful smile. Additional benefits of orthodontic treatment can include:
- Enhanced facial aesthetics
- Improved pronunciation
- Reduced risk of injury to protruding teeth
- Improved self-esteem
Same-Day Braces Or Invisalign®
If we determine that your child is a suitable candidate for braces or Invisalign, our orthodontists can set up same-day treatment for your child. That way, you don’t have to schedule another appointment at our office and take more time off work or school. Same-day treatment allows your child to start their orthodontic journey on the same day as the consultation and get one step closer to a beautiful, healthy smile.
Call today to schedule your child’s consultation! We are looking forward to helping them achieve a beautiful, straightened smile.
