Dentistry can be a little bit intimidating for kids, and orthodontics is even more so. Whether your child is on the young side or well into their teens, you will probably have to help them get to know their orthodontist and find the right specialist just for them.
Your first orthodontic consultation is the beginning of a years-long relationship with a dental professional, so you should take the time to really get to know them. If you’re wondering how to do that, here are some questions you may want to ask.
What Style of Treatment is Best for My Child?
Orthodontists have quite a few ways to straighten teeth, but not all of them are right for every patient. Clear aligners are one of the most popular orthodontic options and they work extremely well, but there are some severe dental issues that they may not be able to address. It’s smart to talk to the orthodontist about what your child could need.
Depending on your child’s age, they may also need phase 1 orthodontics as opposed to phase 2. This is also nice to establish upfront.
Can I See Your Work?
The point of a dental consultation is for your dentist to get to know you, but the opposite is also true. This is a chance for a dentist to impress you, and one of the best ways is to see the work that they’ve done.
Most dentists take promotional before and after pictures of their patients for that reason. You’ll be able to see the results that your orthodontist can produce, which should be informative both of what they’re capable of and what kind of patients they typically see.
How Will Braces Change Life?
Braces are a year-long investment at the very least, and that can turn into something closer to two years in many cases. It’s best to establish with your child upfront what that commitment might look like.
If your child is getting traditional braces, it’s possible that they may need to make some pretty drastic changes to their diet to accommodate that. You’ll also need to make frequent trips to the dentist’s office, so you should talk to your orthodontist about what your schedule looks like.
About Our Practice
At KidSmiles Dental + Orthodontics, we make it our mission to provide our patients with the highest quality of dental care in an office that can put you completely at ease. Our patients are the top priority in everything that we do, so we have made everything from our office to our dental staff perfectly suited to their needs.
If you have any questions about kids’ orthodontics, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (972) 884-5450.
