What To Expect: First Orthodontist Visit With Your Child

If your child’s teeth are misaligned, or the jaw alignment needs to be improved, they will need braces, retainers, or some other device for fixing the problem. That’s when you’ll need to take them to a specialist who is dealing with that type of problems – an orthodontist. Maybe your child has crowded or overlapping teeth. Does he or she have problems with jaw growth and tooth development? Whether the problems are caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, thumb sucking or some accidents,  you’ll need to make an appointment with an orthodontist.

During the first appointment, the goal will be to determine if the treatment is needed. In case the child needs braces, a retainer or any other type of treatment, during the first appointment the orthodontist will also decide what steps need to be taken first. When it comes to choosing an orthodontist, one of the best options is to take your child to your orthodontist. If your orthodontist has experience with young children as Church St Dental has, they will be the best choice. You’ll find a whole array of distractions for little ones, such as kids’ books and toys, and the orthodontist will be well prepared to deal with any squirming or crying in the dental chair.

Your child’s first orthodontist appointment will be quick and straightforward. Once your child is lying comfortably in the chair, the orthodontist will greet your little one and maybe take X-rays or computer pictures of their mouth and teeth. That way the orthodontist can see where the teeth are positioned and whether the child has teeth that haven't come in yet. You will always be welcome to stay in the room if your child needs you to. The orthodontist may need to talk to you about teething and family dental history, oral hygiene, pacifier use, feeding and sleeping habits. The orthodontist will then evaluate your child's bite by pressing a tray of gooey material into their top and bottom teeth for them to bite on. After the orthodontist gets a mould of their teeth, they’ll be able to see the shape and size of the child’s teeth and evaluate whether the child's teeth need straightening or not. To make your child even more excited about coming back to the orthodontist, bring a "prize" with you to give to your child at the end of the visit. 

Many children have no problem visiting the orthodontist. However, some of them may find the entire experience uncomfortable and scary, but you'll be there to offer all the comfort they need. You must guide your child through the process and explain that going to the orthodontist’s is vital for their overall health. Finding a professional and friendly orthodontist who has experience with young children can be of great help. On top of that, be ready to talk to your little one about everything that they need to know to make the first and every next visit as stress-free as possible.