We'll examine you and take free pictures and x-rays of your mouth and teeth. Then, a personalized treatment plan will be created to address your specific needs. We recommend that you ask any questions about your treatment plan and learn about funding plans and insurance options. After reviewing your records and completing the exam, your orthodontist will develop an initial treatment plan.
This treatment plan may include correcting dental problems first. You'll need to schedule an appointment with your dentist to correct the problems. At that visit, the orthodontist and staff will explain the importance of good oral hygiene and teach you and your child how to care for appliances. The orthodontist will communicate the results of this visit to your child's dentist, including the recommended steps to take, if any.
The orthodontist can also take photographs or x-rays to identify any internal problems with the structure of the jaw or teeth. If your child expresses fear or anxiety about their first visit to the pediatric orthodontist, ease the tension by honestly answering their questions. Many orthodontists start with presentations to staff and an office tour to help patients feel more comfortable. She believes that your child or even you could benefit from braces, so she took the first step and scheduled an appointment with the orthodontist.
Completing an oral exam allows the orthodontist to see any problems that haven't appeared on your record. The orthodontist may be able to make a suggestion about a colleague who can meet your child's special needs. For some patients, the orthodontist may be able to achieve treatment results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing. In order for the orthodontist to accurately diagnose your child's orthodontic problem, x-rays are needed.
By that age, the child will have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems (“malocclusions”) even in their earliest stages. In addition, an orthodontist can detect minor dental problems in children related to their teeth and jaws while their baby teeth are still present. Orthodontists want their patients to feel comfortable and well-informed from the first visit to the last. However, if you prefer not to tell the dentist, the orthodontist will comply with your wishes.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first checkup with an orthodontist no later than age 7.
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